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Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine Specialist

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Blog / Articles / Knee

As We Mature (age), Things Change…

Howard J. Luks, MD Updated September 17, 2021

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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.  

 

Not all MRI Abnormal MRI Findings are ABNORMAL!

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.

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.
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Howard J. Luks, MD

Howard J. Luks, MD is an orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, he is widely known as one of the country’s best orthopedic surgeons.

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Comments

  1. Allison says

    August 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.

    • Howard J. Luks, MD says

      August 29, 2011 at 7:57 am

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

  2. Certified Personal Trainer says

    September 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.

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Howard J. Luks, MD is an orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, he is widely known as one of the country’s best orthopedic surgeons.

Book Appointment · About · Contact

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