Sometimes *Abnormal* MRI Findings are NOT *abnormal* #hcsm #hcr #secondopinion
Many of us have meniscus tears in our knees and don’t know it, many have disc herniations or pinched nerves in our backs and don’t know it. Why are some problems symptomatic and some not… who knows? Just because an MRI reveals something is “abnormal” does not always mean that surgery is necessary. The findings need to be combined with a good history and physical exam… and put into context.
Physicians should endeavor to treat the patient… not every *abnormal* MRI finding.
Perhaps surgery is necessary, perhaps it isn’t… if you have any questions… get a second opinion.
sorry… but disclaimer applies!
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As I and many other Radiologists say quite often:Treat the patient NOT the scan.
The problem these days is that we are all too reliant on medical imaging and lab techniques. If you investigate a person from head to toe you will always find *something* wrong – and many of those so called ‘problems’ do not need treatment at all. However, just try counseling the bewildered patient once you poke the hornet’s nest.My current Consultant (who has nearly 30 years of experience) always stresses that we should focus on history, examination and rely on investigations only to confirm or exclude our diagnoses. Unfortunately, the number of such wise doctors is declining every year !
[...] treats pain, we are mainly a specialty that deals with seeking to improve your quality of life. Not all “abnormalities” seen on an MRI require surgical intervention. If you have exhausted appropriate non-operative alternatives and [...]