Knee and hip injuries can lead to degenerative diseases and affect an individual’s quality of life and their physical function. It is important to have a multifaceted approach to treatment so that all aspects of the condition are considered in addition to surgical intervention.
Comprehensive care
Can be ensured when healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, sports medicine specialists and orthopaedic surgeons like Dr. Matt Barnes are all involved in the process to create personalised treatment plans for the patient. This can contribute to improved outcomes. Orthopaedic surgeons play a vital role when it comes to diagnosing and treating knee and hip conditions. Their expertise and training allows them to assess musculoskeletal problems and interpret diagnostic imaging. And they will perform surgical interventions when it is needed. Some of the procedures that they specialise in are knee arthroscopy, hip arthroscopy, total knee replacement and total hip replacement. But surgery is only one part of comprehensive care for these conditions. It is important to have a multidisciplinary approach to the process involving specialists such as pain management physicians, sports medicine specialists, physical therapists, rheumatologists etc. Each specialist can bring their unique expertise to the case so that a holistic approach can be taken for treatment.
A thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition
Can be conducted when a multidisciplinary team s involved and they will consider treatment goals of the patient, their medical history, diagnostic imaging results, physical examination findings and limitations in the patient’s function. This helps to customise the treatment plan according to the specific needs of the patient. Personalised treatment plans can be developed in this way so that the unique aspects of the patient’s condition can be addressed. The treatment can comprise of conservative therapies such as medications, physical therapy, modifications to the lifestyle along with surgical interventions when needed. With collaborative care, a more coordinated approach can be taken to treatment which can improve the outcomes. And this allows the specialists to address all aspects of the conditions such as psychosocial support, functional rehabilitation, pain management etc. This approach will lead to functional outcomes and patient satisfaction and contribute to the overall quality of life of the patient. The teams involved in the multidisciplinary approach will lead to coordination and communication among healthcare providers so that care for the patient can be continued throughout treatment. This can be very helpful in minimising gaps in care and risk of errors in treatment.
Comprehensive patient education
Can be ensured with multidisciplinary teams involved in the process and the patient is able to take an active role in their recovery. They will receive guidance when it comes to home exercises, activity modifications, self-management strategies and lifestyle interventions. The multidisciplinary teams will work together before surgery so that the health of the patient can be optimised to address comorbidities. And following surgery, individualised rehabilitation programmes will be developed to restore the strength and flexibility of the patient. There will also be pain management strategies that can include a combination of physical therapy, injections and medications.
