Patient Guide
Your First Orthopaedic Visit in Surat
What happens at your first consultation at Vedaant Orthopaedic Center, Surat — what to bring, how the examination works, and how a treatment plan is decided.
In short: A first orthopaedic appointment involves a discussion of your symptoms, a physical examination of the joint, and a review of any imaging you bring. Most consultations end with a diagnosis and a plan, which often does not involve surgery. Bringing old X-rays and a medication list makes the visit considerably more useful.
What to bring
- Previous X-rays, MRI or CT scans — the films or discs themselves, not only the reports. Old imaging shows how the joint has changed over time, which a single new scan cannot.
- A list of current medication, including anything for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid or blood thinning.
- Previous operation notes or discharge summaries for the same joint.
- Insurance details if you expect to claim.
- Loose clothing. The knee and hip cannot be examined properly through tight jeans.
- Someone with you if you would find it helpful — a second person often remembers more of the conversation than the patient does.
What happens during the consultation
- 01.
Your history
Where the pain is, how long it has been there, what makes it worse, whether it wakes you, and what you have already tried. This part matters more than most patients expect — a great many orthopaedic diagnoses are made from the history alone.
- 02.
Examination
Watching you walk, then testing movement, stability, strength and specific structures. Neighbouring joints are checked too, since hip problems refer pain to the knee and spinal problems refer pain to both.
- 03.
Imaging
X-rays where they will change the plan, taken weight-bearing where relevant because standing films show joint space loss that lying films miss. MRI only where it will alter the decision.
- 04.
Explanation and plan
What is causing the problem, what the options are, and what each realistically achieves. Including, where appropriate, doing nothing for now.
Questions worth asking
You are entitled to clear answers to all of these, and a good consultation should cover most without prompting:
- What exactly is causing my pain?
- What happens if I do nothing?
- What are the non-surgical options, and have they genuinely been exhausted?
- If surgery is suggested, what does it realistically achieve — and what will it not fix?
- What does recovery involve, week by week?
- What are the risks, and how likely are they?
- Is there a reason to do this now rather than in six months?
The question people most often forget is the second one. Knowing what happens without treatment is what makes the other answers meaningful.
Book an appointment
Ready to book your first consultation?
Speak to the clinic directly. Open Monday to Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
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What a first visit usually is not
It is usually not the day you decide on surgery. Most first consultations end with a diagnosis and a non-surgical plan — medication, an injection, physiotherapy, activity change — with a review to see how it goes.
Where surgery is genuinely the right option, there is rarely any need to decide immediately. Taking time to consider it, discuss it at home, or seek another opinion is reasonable, and a surgeon who is confident in the recommendation will not object to any of that.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can call the clinic directly to arrange a consultation. If a doctor has referred you, bring the letter and any imaging with you.
Should I get an MRI before coming?
Not necessarily. Examination often gives the diagnosis, and the right scan is best chosen after that. An unnecessary scan can also confuse matters by showing findings that are not causing symptoms.
Will I get X-rays on the day?
Usually yes, if they are needed and have not been done recently. Weight-bearing views are used for knees and hips because they show the joint under load.
How long does the appointment take?
Allow reasonable time, particularly if imaging is needed on the day. The consultation itself covers history, examination and a discussion of options.
Can I bring a family member?
Yes, and it is often helpful. Treatment decisions are easier when someone else has heard the same explanation.
Will I be pushed towards surgery?
No. A large proportion of consultations end without any surgical plan. Surgery is discussed when other options have been tried or when joint damage is advanced enough that they will not help.
Related treatments
Visit the clinic
Vedaant Orthopaedic CenterUG/9B Galloping Corridor, GD Goenka School Road
(Canal Road – VIP Road)
Surat, Gujarat 395007
| Monday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Medically reviewed by Dr Dev Padia, MS Ortho (USA)
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Vedaant Orthopaedic Center, Surat.
Last reviewed:
The information on this website is for general guidance and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Please consult a qualified doctor about your own symptoms.