What to Expect During Your Visit to the Orthopedic Surgeon
During your visit to our clinic, you can expect a series of procedures that will help Dr Leonidou reach an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Below is a description of the steps involved in the visit:
- Creation of patient record: our secretary will ask you for information such as your AMKA number, your telephone number and your address in order to create your electronic medical record.
- Medical History:
- The doctor will ask you about your medical history, including any previous injuries, medical conditions and surgeries, as well as whether you take medication for any chronic conditions and whether you have any allergies. He will also ask you whether you smoke.
- Mr Leonidou will ask you about your symptoms, when they started, their frequency and intensity, as well as any factors that make them worse or improve them. He will also ask whether you experience pain at night and how your daily life, sports activities and work are affected.
- Clinical Examination:
- The orthopaedic surgeon will examine the affected part of your body to assess pain, range of motion, strength and stability.
- He may ask you to perform certain movements or activities in order to better assess your condition.
- Imaging Examinations:
- Mr Leonidou will perform an ultrasound scan of the affected area if indicated.
- The surgeon may request further imaging examinations such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) to examine the bones, joints and other structures such as tendons or ligaments in detail.
- If you have already undergone examinations, he will assess them in detail.
- Diagnosis:
- Based on the findings from your medical history, clinical examination and imaging examinations, the orthopaedic surgeon will explain the diagnosis of your condition in detail and answer any questions you may have.
- Treatment:
- The doctor will recommend an individualised treatment plan that may include conservative methods such as physiotherapy, medication, ice therapy and injections. If injection therapy is required, it is performed on-site at the clinic. Common injections include biological agents (PRP) or hyaluronic acid.
- If conservative treatment is not effective or if your condition requires surgery, the surgeon will explain the available surgical options, their potential benefits and risks.
- Detailed Discussion and Questions:
- You will have the opportunity to discuss your options with the doctor and agree on the best course of action.
- The doctor will provide you with detailed instructions regarding the next steps, whether this involves preparation for surgery or conservative treatment.
- Follow-up:
- The doctor will establish a follow-up plan to assess your progress and adjust the treatment according to your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What does an orthopaedic surgeon treat?
An orthopaedic surgeon deals with conditions, injuries and deformities of the musculoskeletal system: bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. You may see one for joint pain or stiffness, fractures, sprains and sports injuries, or wear-and-tear conditions such as osteoarthritis.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Your AMKA (social security number) and contact details for your patient record, any scans you have already had (such as X-rays or an MRI) so they can be reviewed, and information about the medicines you take, any allergies and previous operations or injuries.
Will I need scans?
Not always. If indicated, the doctor performs an ultrasound scan of the affected area and may request X-rays, an MRI or a CT scan to see the bones, joints, tendons and ligaments in detail. If you have already had scans, they are reviewed in detail.
The most important thing you can expect, however, is that we will treat you with respect and provide you with the care that we ourselves or our loved ones would want to receive. From your side, we expect you to ask us as many questions as you wish, so that by the end of your visit to the clinic you feel satisfied and reassured.
If you need to visit a specialised orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Andreas Leonidou is a Director at Athens Medical Center. For more information and appointments, please contact us.
Book an appointment