Many patients show up in my office asking for an MRI test.  There is a feeling among many patients that without an MRI, a diagnosis may be missed or delayed, the wrong treatment may be recommended, or further damage could occur.  So do we overuse MRIs?  or are we doing too many MRIs?

insurance companies would certainly make us think that MRIs are done too often.  In fact, many insurance companies have strict criteria and steps necessary if an MRI is allowed.  However, now some very well-known doctors are stepping forward and joining the discussion saying that we shouldn't be doing so many MRIs.

A recent article in the New York Times quoted famous sports medicine orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews as being among the physicians against the overuse of this diagnositic test.  Why would a surgeon be against ordering an MRI?  It turns out, the MRIs often find problems, but not problems that need solving.  They frequently lead to more tests, and even surgery, that may not be necessary.  A good examination costs less, is often more accurate, and may not lead to unnecessary procedures.

Do you think doctors order too many MRIs, or are doctors too reluctant to order an MRI test?  Leave your comments below...

Related: Do You Need an MRI?

Source: Sports Medicine Said to Overuse M.R.I.'s

You may have heard if you want to avoid an infection, stay away from a hospital.  Good advice, unless you need to be in the hospital.  Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery are often looking for ways to reduce the chance of developing an infection.  The good news, is that hospitals are working on this too, and have reduced the rate of hospital acquired infections significantly.

_{Source: "Health care-associated infections declined in 2010" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}

Meniscus tears are a common cause of knee pain.  That said, not all meniscus tears cause knee pain, and the truth is that meniscus tears are incredibly common.  Especially as people age, it becomes increasingly likely that anyone, even people without any knee pain, will have a meniscus tear.

Getting a torn meniscus to heal can be a challenge, and therefore many people turn to their doctor for help when a meniscus tear is causing pain.  So how does a meniscus tear heal?  Is surgery necessary for the tear to heal?  Or is surgery necessary for the symptoms to go away?  Learn about meniscus tears, what allows them to heal, and what you can do if you have a torn meniscus...read on.

Related: Mensics Tears | Meniscus Surgery | Meniscus Tear Treatments

_{Image © Medical Multimedia Group}

Knee arthritis can be painful.  In managing this pain, many patients will seek different treatments, including knee replacement surgery.  One treatment that should be used with caution is narcotic pain medications.

A recent study has determined that patients who chronically use narcotic pain medications prior to knee replacement surgery have more complications and a longer recovery.  It is important to note that these medications are almost always needed after surgery, but should be used with great caution prior to surgery.  While pain is something that requires attention, there are alternatives for patients with arthritis.

What did you do to manage your pain prior to knee replacement surgery? Leave your comments below...

_{Sources: "Chronic Opioid Use Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty"}

_{Image © Medical Multimedia Group}