What to Expect During an International Orthopedic Consultation With Dr. Muthana Sartawi
An international orthopedic consultation allows patients to discuss joint pain, arthritis, previous surgery, injuries and mobility concerns with Dr. Muthana Sartawi before travelling or beginning treatment abroad.
Patients considering treatment with Dr. Muthana Sartawi may begin by sharing their symptoms, medical history, imaging and previous treatment records. Dr. Sartawi’s medical team can then explain whether an online consultation, an in-person assessment or additional testing may be required.
Submitting medical records supports an initial review, but it does not automatically confirm a diagnosis, suitability for surgery or a final treatment recommendation.
Completing the Dr. Muthana Sartawi Program Intake Form
Before the consultation is scheduled, the coordination team sends patients a dedicated intake form for Dr. Muthana Sartawi’s program. The form is used to collect the patient’s personal and medical information and includes general questions about knee or hip pain.
Patients are asked to complete the form and return it to the appointment coordination team. The coordination team then forwards the completed form to Dr. Muthana Sartawi’s specialized medical team, who carry out an initial review to determine whether an in-person or online appointment is needed.
What Should Patients Do Before the Consultation?
Before requesting a consultation with Dr. Muthana Sartawi, patients should prepare accurate personal and medical information. This helps the international patient team understand the case and identify any documents that may be missing.
Patients may be asked to provide:
Full name as shown on the passport
Date of birth
Country of residence
Telephone number and email address
Preferred consultation dates
Preferred language
A brief description of the orthopedic problem
Details of previous treatments or operations
Information about interpretation or accessibility support
The international appointment process may vary between hospitals. Patients should wait for confirmation from the treating hospital before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
Patients can use the contact page to request a consultation with Dr. Muthana Sartawi.
Which Medical Records Should Be Prepared?
Recent and clearly organized medical records can help Dr. Muthana Sartawi understand the patient’s condition and reduce avoidable delays.
Useful records may include:
Recent orthopedic consultation reports
X-rays and radiology reports
MRI or CT images when relevant
Reports from previous orthopedic operations
Hospital discharge summaries
Laboratory results related to the condition
Details of previous injections or physiotherapy
A current list of medications and doses
Information about allergies
Details of other medical conditions
When possible, patients should provide the original imaging files as well as the written reports. Dr. Sartawi may need to review the actual X-rays, MRI scans or CT scans before making a recommendation.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides additional guidance about preparing for a visit with an orthopedic surgeon .
Medical documents may need to be translated into English or another language accepted by the hospital. Patients should ask the international patient team about the required format and the secure method for submitting their records.
Should Patients Prepare a Summary of Their Symptoms?
A short written summary can help patients explain their symptoms clearly during the consultation.
The summary may include:
The location of the pain or mobility problem
When the symptoms began
Whether the symptoms are improving or becoming worse
Activities that increase or reduce the symptoms
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, sleeping or working
Previous injuries or operations
Treatments that have already been attempted
The patient’s main concerns and treatment goals
Patients may also prepare a short list of their most important questions. This can help them use the consultation time effectively.
What Happens During a Consultation With Dr. Muthana Sartawi?
The exact process depends on the patient’s condition and whether the appointment takes place online or in person.
Review of Medical History
Dr. Muthana Sartawi may ask about:
Current symptoms and their effect on daily life
Previous injuries and operations
Existing medical conditions
Medication and supplement use
Known allergies
Previous reactions to surgery or anaesthesia
Current mobility and activity level
Patients should mention all prescribed medications, over-the-counter treatments, vitamins and supplements.
Medication should not be stopped, started or changed without instructions from a qualified healthcare professional. Patients who may later undergo surgery can review this medication safety checklist for orthopedic surgery .
Review of Imaging and Medical Reports
Dr. Sartawi may examine X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, operation reports and other medical documents.
Existing records may provide enough information for an initial opinion. However, updated imaging or additional testing may still be required.
The need for further testing depends on:
The date of the available records
The quality of the images
The patient’s current symptoms
The suspected diagnosis
The treatment being considered
Physical Examination
During an in-person consultation, Dr. Sartawi may assess:
Joint movement and range of motion
Muscle strength
Joint stability
Swelling and tenderness
Walking pattern
Limb alignment
Functional limitations
An online consultation cannot reproduce every part of a physical examination. Dr. Sartawi may therefore recommend an in-person assessment before confirming a diagnosis or treatment plan.
Which Treatment Options May Be Discussed?
After reviewing the available information, Dr. Muthana Sartawi may discuss surgical and non-surgical options.
These may include:
Activity modification
Physiotherapy
Medication review
Injections when clinically appropriate
Additional diagnostic tests
Continued observation
A second specialist opinion
Surgical assessment
Depending on the diagnosis, patients may be assessed for knee replacement surgery , partial knee replacement or hip replacement surgery .
Selected patients may also be assessed for a same-day knee replacement pathway . Eligibility depends on an individualized medical and pre-operative assessment, and same-day discharge is not appropriate for every patient.
Does the Consultation Confirm That Surgery Is Required?
No. A consultation with Dr. Muthana Sartawi is an assessment and does not guarantee that surgery will be recommended.
Dr. Sartawi may determine that:
Non-surgical treatment should continue
More recent imaging is required
A physical examination is necessary
Another medical condition should be assessed first
The patient may be suitable for a surgical evaluation
A different procedure may be more appropriate
Surgery is not currently recommended
The final recommendation should be based on the patient’s symptoms, clinical examination, imaging, general health and individual treatment goals.
Important Questions to Ask Dr. Muthana Sartawi
Patients may wish to ask:
What is the likely cause of my symptoms?
Do I need additional tests or imaging?
What treatment options are available?
Are there appropriate non-surgical alternatives?
Why is the proposed treatment being considered?
What are the potential benefits and risks?
What may happen if treatment is delayed?
Will I require physiotherapy?
How long may I need to remain abroad?
Can follow-up continue after I return home?
Who should I contact if my symptoms become worse?
Will I receive a written treatment recommendation?
The AAOS Patient Guide to Safe Orthopedic Surgery provides additional questions and preparation guidance for patients who may be considering an operation.
Can Patients Request Language Support?
Patients who require an interpreter should request this service before the appointment.
Professional medical interpretation may be particularly important when discussing:
Complex diagnoses
Treatment alternatives
Possible risks
Surgical consent
Medication instructions
Rehabilitation planning
Patients may also ask whether a relative or trusted companion can attend the consultation, subject to the hospital’s privacy and attendance policies.
What Happens After the Consultation?
After reviewing the case, Dr. Muthana Sartawi’s medical team may provide:
A consultation summary
A preliminary or confirmed diagnosis
Requests for additional tests
Recommended treatment options
An in-person assessment plan
A proposed appointment schedule
General information about expected costs
A rehabilitation or follow-up plan
The treatment plan may change when new examination findings, imaging results or specialist assessments become available.
Patients preparing for knee surgery may also read the guide to preparing before and after knee replacement surgery .
Patients should avoid booking non-refundable flights or accommodation until the hospital confirms the appointments, treatment location and expected schedule.
Can Follow-Up Continue in the Patient’s Home Country?
Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, follow-up may involve:
Online consultations when available
Local physiotherapy
Updated X-rays or laboratory tests
Reports from a local healthcare professional
Coordination with the patient’s local doctor
Before returning home, patients should request copies of relevant reports, imaging, prescriptions and follow-up instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a consultation with Dr. Muthana Sartawi before travelling?
Yes. Patients may begin by submitting their symptoms, medical history, reports and imaging. Dr. Sartawi’s medical team can then explain whether an online consultation, an in-person appointment or additional records are required.
Does sending my medical records provide a final diagnosis?
Not necessarily. Medical records may support an initial opinion, but a physical examination, updated imaging or additional tests may still be required.
Can surgery be recommended during an online consultation?
Dr. Sartawi may explain whether surgery appears to be a possible option. A final decision may still require an in-person examination, updated imaging, pre-operative testing and an assessment of the patient’s general health.
What happens if my imaging is outdated?
Dr. Sartawi may request new X-rays, MRI scans or CT scans when the existing imaging is too old or does not provide enough information.
Should I stop medication before the consultation?
No medication should be stopped, started or changed without instructions from the treating doctor or another qualified medical professional.
Can a family member attend the consultation?
A family member or trusted companion may be able to attend, depending on the hospital’s policies. Patients should confirm this before the appointment.
Request a Consultation With Dr. Muthana Sartawi
International patients can begin by submitting their contact information, symptoms, medical history and available medical records.
Dr. Sartawi’s patient team can review the information and explain whether an online consultation, an in-person appointment or additional documents are required.