My doctor recommended a distal realignment or Fulkerson AMZ (anteromedialization) procedure. What is he talking about?
A. This procedure is performed to correct improper alignment of the patella. Particularly in patients who have instability of their patella. The surgeon makes an oblique cut in the bone (tibia) and rotates this wafer of bone to reduce the abnormal pull on the patella. This wafer of bone is held in place with two screws while the surgically induced fracture heals. Although this procedure is done on an outpatient basis, patients need to be on crutches for 6 to 8 weeks to allow for healing. A hinged knee brace is applied to the knee to allow for controlled motion recovery. Your doctor may periodically obtain xrays after surgery to check the healing process. Sometimes this procedure is combined with a lateral release.
Related Questions
- How will my coverage be impacted if the specific surgery or procedure being recommended by my doctor, who is a Tufts Medical Center provider, is not performed here?
- My doctor has recommended a surgical procedure different from the pial synangiosis to treat the condition. Does it matter which procedure is used?
- My doctor/hospital discharge planner/social worker has already recommended a home health agency, why should I use TheHomeCareDirectory.com?
