Dr. Saikat Ghosh, Orthopedic Surgeon

Frequently Asked Question

Q: What types of orthopedic conditions and injuries are the most common?

A: Most people see an orthopedic specialist because of knee injuries (more than 18 million physician visits in 2010), back pain (more than 13 million), or shoulder injuries (more than 11 million).

Q: How do I know if I have a sprain or a broken bone?

A: Your physician will be able to conduct tests such as X-Rays or bone scans to determine for certain if you have a sprain or a fracture. Keep in mind that a sprain is an injury to the ligaments (tissues that connect your bones), whereas a fracture is an injury to your bone. Sprains heal with time and rest, but a fracture will require some type of treatment (splint, cast, crutches, wheelchair and/or surgery).

Q: How do I know if I have arthritis?

A: Arthritis symptoms may vary depending on which type you have. However, the most common arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness and decreased range of motion. Your doctor can perform laboratory tests to determine if you do in fact have arthritis.

Q: Where can I go to receive orthopedic testing or treatment?

A: Arthritis symptoms may vary depending on which type you have. However, the most common arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness and decreased range of motion. Your doctor can perform laboratory tests to determine if you do in fact have arthritis.

Q: Do the diagnostic tests hurt?

A: Generally, no. This depends on which type of diagnostic procedure you are undergoing, but most orthopedic injuries or conditions require the use of imaging and radiology tests like X-rays, bone scans or other exams, which are painless. When diagnosing arthritis, a doctor may perform minimally invasive laboratory tests that require a sample of joint fluid, however this should not be a severely painful procedure. They may also use computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound, which are not invasive or painful.

Q: Is diagnostic testing for an orthopedic injury safe for pregnant women?

A: Depending on the type of diagnostic imaging procedure, these exams are generally safe for pregnant women. According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic X-ray results in radiation exposure enough to threaten the health of the developing embryo or fetus. However, your doctor can work with you to determine the safest diagnostic imaging method.

Q: How should I prepare for my orthopedic appointment?

A: If you have an appointment scheduled with an orthopedic specialist, be sure to come prepared with your insurance card, a photo ID, list of current medications, co-payment (if applicable) and any questions you may have to ask your specialist. Sometimes it’s helpful to bring a written list of questions you have so you don’t forget any during the appointment. Additionally, check with the location to see if there is paperwork you can fill out in advance of your appointment to speed up the process. If for any reason you cannot keep your orthopedic appointment, please notify your doctor.

Q: Will I need physical therapy?

A: Your doctor will be able to fully answer this question after your diagnosis and treatment. However, Hunt Regional Medical Center does provide physical therapy and pain management services so patients can get back on the road towards mobility.

Q: Should I use ice on my injury? Should I use heat on my injury?

A: The general rule of thumb is to use ice in the acute stage of an injury (within the first 24-48 hours), or whenever swelling is showing. Ice helps to reduce inflammation and swelling by decreasing blood flow to the area that is injured. The general guideline is to apply ice indirectly (not directly on the skin) for 20 minutes, remove the ice for at least 20 minutes, and repeat as necessary.

Heat is used to increase blood flow, which helps promote pain relief after inflammation and swelling subside. Heat is also used to assist in warming muscles up prior to exercise, any physical activity, or physical therapy.

Q: How long does it take to recover from orthopedic surgery?

A: Pain is relative — your tolerance for pain may differ from that of the next person. It's natural to experience some pain or discomfort at the surgical site as well as some possible bone/joint tenderness after surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will work closely with your clinical team and other caregivers to determine the best pain management strategy for you.

Q: How long do artificial joints last?

A: Advances in medical technologies — including the prosthetic materials used in total and partial hip, knee, elbow and shoulder joints — continue to extend the life expectancy of artificial joints. Generally speaking, today's prosthetic devices can last upwards of 15-20 years. Factors that can impact the durability of prosthetics include your activity level, overall health, weight and whether you have arthritis