ORTHOPAEDIC PATIENT GUIDE · ABU DHABI

Prepare well. Know what comes next.

A practical guide for patients seeing Prof. Dr. Sammy Hanna for hip, knee or sports-injury care. Bring the information that helps the consultation, understand how to prepare if surgery is planned, and follow a structured recovery plan afterwards.

Patient preparing X-rays, medical documents, medication information and symptom notes before an orthopaedic consultation
Useful information makes the consultation more useful.Previous imaging, a medication list and a clear symptom timeline can help organise the assessment.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Bring the story of the problem—not just the painful joint.

You do not need to diagnose yourself. The aim is to arrive with the details that can shorten guesswork and make the clinical discussion clearer.

01

Previous imaging

Bring relevant X-rays, MRI or CT images and reports if you have them, especially when they relate to the same problem or previous surgery.

02

Medication & health information

Keep an up-to-date medication list and note important medical conditions, allergies and previous operations.

03

Symptom timeline

When did it begin? What movement triggers it? Has there been swelling, locking, giving way, night pain or a change in walking?

04

Your goals & questions

Work, walking, sport, travel and daily-life goals help put treatment options into the context that matters to you.

IF SURGERY IS PLANNED

The operation is one day. Preparation starts before it.

Pre-operative instructions vary by procedure and by your health. Follow the specific instructions from Prof. Hanna, Healthpoint and the anaesthetic team rather than changing medication, fasting or activity on your own.

01Medical reviewComplete requested tests, anaesthetic assessment or medical optimisation.
02Medication planConfirm which medicines should continue, pause or change—and when.
03Plan the first daysArrange transport, support at home and practical help where required.
04Prepare your environmentMake commonly used items easy to reach and reduce avoidable trip hazards.
Patient completing supervised rehabilitation and a controlled step exercise in a physiotherapy setting
Recovery is individual. The clinical and physiotherapy plan for your operation takes priority over generic timelines.

AFTER TREATMENT OR SURGERY

Progress is structured, not rushed.

Early recovery commonly focuses on safe movement, symptom control and progressively rebuilding strength and function. The pace depends on the procedure, your health, the tissues involved and the goals you are returning to.

Move safelyUse walking aids or restrictions exactly as advised.Follow wound instructionsKeep dressings and wound care aligned with the surgical team's advice.Rebuild capacityPhysiotherapy progresses movement, strength and confidence step by step.Know when to callUse the instructions provided by your treating team if symptoms or recovery do not follow the expected course.
Prof. Dr. Sammy Hanna, consultant orthopaedic hip and knee surgeon

PROF. DR. SAMMY HANNA · HEALTHPOINT ABU DHABI

Still unsure where to start?

Bring your symptoms, previous imaging and the activities that matter to you. The consultation can organise the next step and direct you to the most useful pathway.

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