Ortho Gadgets

We live in a technology driven world and orthopedics is no different. We have a device for just about everything. When you come in for an appointment you may be stressed about an injury, your insurance, or the upcoming surgery and what each device does may be clouded.  Let's go over a few of the commonly used gadgets in our office so you can have a clearer understanding of why we do what we do.

KT1000:

A machine first brought into use around 1985 to test laxity or looseness of ACLs in the knee.  It is often still used today coupled with physical exam to test the ACL on both the left and right sides for comparison.  We use this test in the office both at the first appointment after an ACL injury, and 12 weeks after surgery to evaluated the ligament.  One of our athletic trainers will perform this test on you and we will go over the results immediately after.

Biodex Test:

One of our many ACL testing gadgets, the Biodex machine, allows for our therapists to test both the quadriceps and hamstring strength.  We often have patients undergo this test around 4 months after their ACL surgery to see how their strength is recovering.  The test will give results after the patient kicks out and pulls their leg back at low medium and high speeds. This will show possible strength deficits in both muscle groups, giving us information on what activities we can allow you to perform.

CPM Machine:

A constant passive motion machine, will move your leg slowly. We often use this machine after total knee, ACL, and cartilage surgery. The machine is recommended for the first 4 weeks after surgery and helps restore the range of motion in the knee when patients are in the early stages of rehab. I find patients enjoy the machine and find it relaxing often using it while napping.

Cold Therapy Unit:

A cold therapy unit is a cooler filled with water and ice attached to a tube and pad.  The pad is attached to the shoulder or knee with Velcro straps. The tube and pad circulate chilled water into and out of the pad cooling the surgical area and reducing swelling.  Patients tend to love this device! The only rule is to keep something like a towel or pillow case between your skin and the pad so it does not get too cold.

Hinged Knee Brace:

After many of our knee surgeries patients will be placed in a hinged knee brace like this one.  It allows for the knee to be locked straight or restricted in certain ranges of motion with the hinges at the knee.  The Velcro straps are very adjustable so people of varying heights and weights can fit in the brace comfortably.  If you do not feel you brace if fitting perfectly anymore we can adjust it easily to make it feel better at each appointment!

Unloader Brace:

Another brace often prescribed is an unloading brace.  This brace also has one or two hinges as well as a dial.  The dial is on the opposite side of the knee from the patient's pain.  (The pain is often caused by osteoarthritis, lack of meniscus, or cartilage injury)  As the dial is turned up the pressure on the good part of the knee goes up, causing the painful part of the knee to open and feel less pressure.  I equate this to rotating the tires on a car.
Technology doesn't have to be scary! It can greatly enhance your surgery and post operative recovery experience.  We want you to have the most complete experience possible and gadgets can contribute to that in many ways!

Resources:
http://www.biodex.com/physical-medicine/blog/what-isokinetic-testing
https://www.kinexmedical.com/
https://www.breg.com/products/

Have you ever walked out of the doctor’s office feeling disappointed, confused, wanting more?  You had questions left to ask, things to discuss, you do not even know exactly what went on?  I never want that to happen to you again!  I think together we can help you have the PERFECT appointment.

All appointments must start with a realization of why you are going to the doctor/provider.  Why have you (or your spouse/family member made this appointment)?  Do you have pain? Is your blood pressure out of control? Do you need your medications refilled?  In medicine we call this Your Chief Complaint—If you do not know why you are going to the appointment, it makes it very hard for the provider to treat you.

Ok, we have a Chief Complaint, now it’s time to get organized. We all have means to make lists-either in our head, on our phones, or on good old paper.  List what issues are related to this complaint.  Where does that knee hurt, how long has it been going on, what makes it better, what have you tried that has worked for your pain?  I refer to these as the Who, Where, When, and Whats.

Day of appointment remember to bring:

• List of home medications or meds themselves
• List of questions/who, where, when and whats
• Any previous imaging/records from previous medical providers for current issue
• Insurance information/photo ID
• Family member or friend to help with organization/asking questions

We are finally here, the day of your appointment.  There is a lot to remember so I provided a list for you.  I love to have a copy of patients’ home medications so I can review them myself.  This allows for me to look for drug interactions and get a thorough medical history.  In orthopedics, it is often important that we have patients’ previous operative reports and MRI scans, especially when deciding how advanced an injury has become over time.

In my line of work we see a variety of appointments including post-operative appointments.  Patients often bring family members to these visits because they may not be able to drive due to crutches or braces.  Family members and friends are great support at appointments!    They ask questions you may not, retain info, and learn how to better take care of you.  Win, Win, Win!


Lastly, and this is usually the hardest part depending on your doctor/provider.  Do not leave until all your questions are answered!  Sometimes this means asking for someone to come back into the room—that’s ok.  You are in charge of your appointment and it is important that you understand your, medication, surgery, or treatment.  If you get home and have more questions, call the office and ask. It’s ok if everyone in the office knows your name.  Medicine is about you, not them!


Having a great appointment is not out of reach for anyone.  It takes a little prep work, organization, and sometimes assertiveness, but you will leave feeling better and more educated about your care. In no way do I ever feel stressed by a patient with a list!  Never be afraid to take charge of your health care!