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| QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT YOUR SURGERY |
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1. What is arthritis? Is there a cure?
Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. This inflammation and wear and tear can lead to joint damage, specifically of the cartilage. The cartilage is the cap that covers the ends of all bones, acting as a protective cushion between the bones. With arthritis the cartilage starts to wear down until there is no cushion or cartilage left. This leaves the bone exposed and the bone starts to rub on the adjacent bone, causing pain.
There is no cure for arthritis. There are ways to make the pain that arthritis causes better (medications/injections/activity modification) but nothing brings back damaged cartilage. |
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2. What is a Meniscus Tear?
In the knee joint, there is a lateral (outer) and medial (inner) cartilage that separates the upper leg (femur) and lower leg (tibia). This cartilage is called the meniscus (plural: menisci). The menisci act as a cushion to distribute body weight and play an important role in the stability of the knee joint, particularly when the knee bends and twists.
A meniscus tear involves damage to the tissue, which can compromise stability of the joint. Unfortunately, most meniscal tears do not heal on their own. A lack of blood flow can cause nutrient deficiency, preventing healing. A relatively simple surgery can alleviate knee pain symptoms by removing the damaged part of the tissue. If the particular injury involves a section of the meniscus with good blood flow, then the meniscus may be repaired surgically.
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3. How do the physicians treat back pain?
Physicians evaluate radiographs to ensure there are not any bone abnormalities of the spine. Here at LAOSS, we find that surgery is usually not the appropriate treatment plan to treat the causes of back pain. Initially, the treatment for back pain involves rest and medication, generally with anti-inflammatory pain relievers and/or muscle relaxants. However, inactivity for a long period of time will cause the symptoms to worsen. After ample rest has been given, and back pain still persists, we usually prescribe physical therapy to strengthen the core muscles and improve posture.
If the back pain involves symptoms that radiate down the leg, an MRI can be prescribed to further evaluate the discs of the spine. Only in extreme cases will we refer the patient to a spine surgeon.
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4. How well do injections work? What types are available to me?
| The success of injections varies from person to person and injury to injury. The injections include a combination of lidocaine, an anesthetic, and cortisone, a natural anti-inflammatory steroid hormone involved in decreasing swelling. Injections typically begin working within a few days, and can last up to several weeks or months. When the medication wears off, the dose can be re-injected. Due to the concerns with repeated injections, we do limit the amount of injections to a particular area generally to once every 3-4 months. Injections are commonly used as an effective treatment for shoulder pain, knee pain, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis. Though injections do provide temporary relief, they are NOT permanent cures. |
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5. Are cortisone injections bad for my health?
| Local injections of cortisone do not get absorbed by the body (or very little gets absorbed), so only the site of the injection would experience any adverse affects. |
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6. Is there anything I can do to avoid surgery?
| Weight loss is one of the most important ways to prevent worsening of arthritis, especially in the knee. Some factors of arthritis are unavoidable, like genetics or trauma. Keeping the muscles surrounding the joint strong has also been shown to slow down progression of arthritis. |
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7. If I do need a joint replacement, how long is the recovery?
| Joint replacement of the knee requires 2-4 days in the hospital and approximately 2-3 months of intensive rehabilitation. You are able to walk on the leg immediately following surgery but the swelling and the pain takes some time to resolve. The majority of this is improved by the end of the second month and walking is near normal.
Hip replacements feel a more immediate relief. They still need 2-4 days in the hospital and therapy, but the recovery can be complete by 6 weeks. |
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8. Am I healthy enough for surgery?
| This is usually determined by your primary doctor who knows your overall health conditions and the control your under. On occasion, a cardiologist is needed to evaluate your heart as the surgery and anesthesia puts stress on the heart.
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9. What medicines do I need to stop taking prior to surgery?
| You need to take your regular medications the night before at the scheduled time. However, if you take Coumadin, Plavix, or Aspirin, these should be STOPPED one week before your Surgery Date. THE ONLY MEDICATION PERMISSABLE ON THE MORNING OF YOUR SURGERY IS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE PRESCRIPTION! This should be taken with only one sip of water. At all times, if you still have questions, it is important to check with your Surgeon before the Procedure or your Primary Care Physician about any medication concerns. |
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10. At which Hospital will my surgery take place?
| The location of your surgical procedure will be determined by your specialized treatment plan and prompt availability of the appropriate setting. In many cases, inpatient surgical procedures can be accommodated at the White Memorial Medical Center or if specified by your health insurance coverage another convenient high quality hospital setting. Should your treatment plan require an outpatient facility, we will make prompt arrangements for your procedure at either White Memorial Medical Center on our campus, or nearby Plaza Surgery Center in Monterey Park. |
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11. Will my insurance cover the procedure?
| In almost every situation, your health insurance plan will cover the surgery once it is determined medically necessary. It’s very important that you provide us with the most current information on your specific coverage and plan ID so that appropriate arrangements can be made to minimize the approval process and help you focus on a rapid and full recovery. Should you have any questions as to your particular plan benefits payable with your specific diagnosis and treatment plan, please contact our Billing Office at (323) 264-7600, ext. 229, or send your question by email to info@laorthos.net. Be certain to include “Insurance Coverage?” In the subject line and allow up to 48 hours for a response. |
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12. Is the CA Disability Program an option in my case?
| The State’s Disability Program may be a good option for your situation. We can help you with the application forms and get you started. However, it is important to check with your employer’s Human Resources or Benefits Department first to determine what options you have to protect you through your benefit program before applying to CA Disability. |
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13. Do you take X-Rays in your office?
| Yes, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Surgery Specialists has state-of-the-art digital X-Ray imaging equipment right in our office so you won’t have to travel across town or even across the street if you should require this service. Certified X-Ray technicians take your X-Rays and can provide them to you on a CD if requested.
If your physician determines that MRI or CT Scan is essential for an accurate diagnosis, then you can take advantage of the cutting edge technology provided by White Memorial Medical Center just steps away or other convenient facilities as directed by your health plan. |
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