Ethan Flathers
-01835873
MEDS 440
Bridger Orthopedic
I had a great experience shadowing at Bridger Orthopedic. The transition from shadowing a semi-slow paced walk-in clinic to a fast paced, highly booked orthopedic clinic was difficult to adjust to at first, but I felt like I got to observe a lot in a short period of time. I shadowed Dr. LeGrand, a knee and shoulder specialist. Knee injuries and problems were the vast majority observed, and a large amount had to do with injuries to the ligaments of the knee. Dr. LeGrand basically used the same test of the knee on every patient to determine the problem, however based upon the strain upon the knee and the amount of pain the patient experience by where pressure was placed on the knee was able to make a diagnosis. I was impressed to say the least.
I also viewed a real MRI (which I must say is not even close to what is portrayed on TV) for the first time in my life. The amount of detail MRI’s show of tissue is astounding. I learned how to pick out structures based upon the shadowing and the layering of the MRI (such as how the PCL is behind the ACL) and if any of the shadows are distorted how this can indicate a problem. I also learned more about reading x-rays, and how certain shadows or variability in separation between bones can indicate problems such as arthritis. I was also impressed by the amount of injuries in which Dr. LeGrand was not worried about because they heal naturally back to perfect usage, even without immobilizing or bracing the injury. Based upon my own medical dealings with the clinic, I know this philosophy works.
I viewed a lot of follow up appointments of surgery such as full knee replacements, and a shoulder reconstruction; advanced cases of arthritis; and old injuries of cruciate ligaments and the lasting affects they can have on a person. Even though most of what I viewed was knee injuries, the amount of side knowledge I gained from the short experience gave me the understanding of how to look at other injuries of the body.