CHOOSING WISELY CANADA
5 things
orthopaedic surgeons and patients should question
By the Canadian Orthopaedic Association
1
Avoid performing routine post-operative
deep vein thrombosis ultrasonography
screening in patients who undergo elective
hip or knee arthroplasty.
Since ultrasound is not effective at diagnosing unsuspected
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and appropriate alternative
screening tests do not exist, if there is no change in the patient’s clinical status, routine post-operative screening for
DVT after hip or knee arthroplasty does not change outcomes or clinical management.
2
Don’t use needle lavage to treat patients
with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the
knee for long-term relief.
The use of needle lavage in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee does not lead to measurable improvements in pain, function, 50-foot walking time, stiffness, tenderness or swelling.
3
Don’t use glucosamine and chondroitin to
treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate do not provide
relief for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the
knee.
4
Don’t use lateral wedge insoles to treat patients with symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.
In patients with