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Howard J. Luks, MD

Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine Specialist

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Knee

As We Mature (age), Things Change…

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Howard J. Luks, MD Updated Sep 17, 2021 Read time: < 1 min

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… and many of those changes we see on MRIs or X-rays don’t necessarily require treatment of surgery.   Many of us will develop tears of various structures as a normal consequence of aging, our activity or even our genetics.  

 

Many of these degenerative tears or issues can be safely observed with out worry about further degeneration or suffering.  Unfortunately, many people are told they need surgery simply because “a tear”  was found on an MRI.  If your complaints are not put in proper context following an appropriate physical examination –then you may not need surgery — most don’t.  Most degenerative issues present themselves as a *quality of life* issue.  That simply means that if you have pain, that pain is severe, and it is limiting your quality of life —and your pain fails to improve with non-surgical treatment — then you might want to consider surgery, if your surgeon feels that your goals and expectations are realistic given the findings on the study.  

Make sense?

Take home message :   Not all abnormal MRI findings are truly abnormal… most are a consequence of aging or our lifestyle. Not all findings on MRIs require treatment. Keep this in mind when discussing your options with your surgeon.

Do you have questions regarding an Orthopedic injury or longevity? 

Do you want to talk to an expert who can listen to you for 45-60 minutes and explain the options in detail? 

Dr. Howard Luks offers remote guidance sessions to review your X-ray or MRI images and explain your options. 

Dr. Luks has also received hundreds of requests for educational sessions on the topics discussed in his book, Longevity Simplified.

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Categories: Knee, MRI, Shoulder

Disclaimer:  this information is for your education and should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Read the full disclaimer.
Dr. Howard J. Luks

Howard J. Luks, MD is a leading orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, and author of Longevity... Simplified.

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Further Reading:

shoulder MRI
Shoulder MRI Findings in People with NO Shoulder Pain: Are Some Tears “Normal”
Molecular Approaches to Osteoarthritis: The Role of Inflammation and Genetics
Do I have a serious or severe shoulder injury
How to Maintain A Healthy Rotator Cuff and A Happy Shoulder
calcific tendonitis and severe shoulder pain
Why Does My Shoulder Hurt So Much?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Certified Personal Trainer

    Sep 1, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    I’m literally going to the doctor tomorrow to look at my MRI with him. Thanks for the great advice Doc.

  2. Allison

    Aug 19, 2011 at 9:49 am

    As we age our eyes change as well. More contrast between print and background becomes a necessity. I would love to follow your blog and learn from it, but I can not make out the silver letters on the blue background. Would it be possible for there to be darker font for those of us with older eyes can read what you’re saying. Thank you.

    • Avatar photoHoward J. Luks, MD

      Aug 29, 2011 at 7:57 am

      Good points… will talk to *my people* and see what they can do!
      thanks
      Howard Luks

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Dr. Howard J. Luks

Howard J. Luks, MD is a leading orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, and author of Longevity... Simplified.

About · Contact · Private Consultation

Remote Guidance Sessions
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Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

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Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

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