However, some patients are unsatisfied by vague introductions to their condition, and non-specific treatment recommendations. Why can't the information be more precise?
The answer is that nearly all medical conditions have hundreds, if not thousands, of variables that must be considered to offer specific recommendations.
An example:
- A patient sustains a wrist fracture and asks "When will I be back to normal?"
- The problem is, there are many types of wrist fractures. Some people are talking about fractures of the radius, others about scaphoid fractures. Within the radius bone, fractures include a Colles fracture, a Smith's fracture, and others. Some of these fractures need surgery, and others don't. Some patients need a cast for a few weeks, others for a few months. You get the idea....
Because of the subtle variables that may contribute to your condition, you need to discuss your medical injury with your orthopedic doctor. He or she can explain the specifics of your situation, talk about individual concerns, and offer a specific treatment plan. In order to have this discussion, your doctor will need to perform an examination, and may need tests such as x-rays, MRIs, or a bone scan.
I am often asked the question, "I was diagnosed with [your condition], how long is the recovery." Hopefully you can understand why the only person who can answer this is a doctor who is with you in person, who can examine you as needed, and who can obtain necessary tests as needed. Attempting to offer more specific information could be inaccurate and potentially harmful, and is against the policies of this, and any other reputable health-related Internet site.
