Kienbock's Questions for Your Doctor

X What is this doctor's name and the date of this visit?

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X What stage are you in?

X What further studies does he want and when? MRI? CT scan?

X Do you have an ulnar variance?

X What operations is your doctor considering?

  • Bone lengthening
    • Ulna
    • Radius
  • Bone shortening
    • Ulna
    • Radius
    • Capitate
    • Radial wedge osteotomy
    • Other
  • Revascularization/Graft
  • Partial fusion
    • Capitohamate
    • STT
    • Other
  • Bone removal
    • Lunate
    • Proximal row carpectomy
    • Other
  • Total fusion
  • Denervation
  • Core decompression
  • Other
If you have this bilaterally (in both wrists), each wrist may be in a different stage and would require different treatments. Mark them both and note which is which.

X What operations has your doctor deemed inappropriate for you and why?

X What are the statistics of the proposed procedures? Use the list above to note them.

X Is he an orthopedist who specializes in hands?

X What kind of experience does he have with this condition, how many cases has he seen, how many procedures has he performed?

X How long does he expect each phase of the process to take?

X How long before surgery?

X How long will the surgery last?

X How long will you be in the hospital?

X What type of dressing will you have after surgery / go home in? A cast? bandages? bone stimulator?

X What sort of care will you be responsible for? Cleaning the surgical site?

X When will your first follow-up visit be?

X What changes will be made at the first follow-up visit? Cast? bandages? bone stimulator?

X How long will you be casted?

X How long after surgery before you can perform basic tasks like driving or lifting?

X Does he recommend physical therapy?

X When would therapy start?

X How long would therapy last?

X If this procedure fails, what would be the next step?

X Does the proposed procedure preclude or allow for future procedures if necessary?

X Questions for yourself:

  • Is he interested in you?
  • Does he communicate well?
  • Do you like him?
  • Do you trust him?
  • Is he covered on your insurance?
  • Is he the right doctor for you?