The hand and wrist have complex, yet beautiful anatomy. Any pathological process can be difficult to diagnose as there are so many interactions and many patients have several conditions at once. Nik Jagodzinski prides himself in providing a thorough assessment of every patient. This will include taking a holistic history and a detailed physical examination at the start of every consultation as well as taking into account any investigations performed.
Calculating how your hand condition affects your function, your work, your hobbies and your activities of daily living is essential to offering the most appropriate treatment from the myriad available to a Consultant Hand Surgeon.
During your initial consultation, Mr Jagodzinski will commence with a thorough review of your medical history which encompasses your overall health status, current medications, known allergies and any previous surgical procedures you may have undergone.
Attention will then shift to the specific concerns you are experiencing. Mr Jagodzinski will enquire about:
The duration of your symptoms
Any associated pain, weakness, instability, stiffness
Neurological or nocturnal symptoms
How these factors are impacting your daily activities.
Furthermore, Mr Jagodzinski will discuss the nature of your occupation, sports, and leisure activities to gauge the physical demands placed on your body, particularly the affected limb. This understanding is vital to tailor your treatment options effectively.
Mr Jagodzinski will proceed with a detailed physical examination of the affected limb, including any other relevant joints. While this assessment may result in some discomfort, it will be minimized as much as possible. The goal is to arrive at a preliminary diagnosis and to identify a range of differential diagnoses that could explain your symptoms.
These insights will guide the need for any additional investigations necessary to confirm a definitive diagnosis.
Following this comprehensive evaluation, Mr Jagodzinski will recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment. At this subsequent visit, you will review the results of any investigations and Mr Jagodzinski will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Throughout this process, you can expect professional care delivered with a commitment to ensuring your comfort and understanding every step of the way.
Can’t travel to our Hand and Wrist clinic?
Please note: Occasionally, consultations can be performed on a video platform for those who find travel a problem. However, not all conditions are appropriate to be assessed this way as physical examination and diagnostic accuracy may be less accurate. Relatives of patients who are attending clinic, who would like to accompany them but cannot be there in person, can also sometimes join by video platform on video or telephone conferencing apps. If these services are of interest to you, please contact the clinic to discuss the options available.