The new regulation aims to prevent unnecessary surgeries and ensure quality of care. An orthopedist explains what the requirement means for those affected. He advises delaying the procedure as long as possible and gives concrete tips on how patients can make their daily lives less painful.
Are the pains persistent and limiting daily life? Do conservative measures like physiotherapy or painkillers no longer help? Are clear radiological findings present? And is the suffering so severe that surgery would noticeably improve quality of life? Only when all questions are answered with yes is an implant sensible, the expert says.
The second opinion is intended to help make this assessment more informed and reduce overtreatment.
Source: www.faz.net
