Patients in Riyadh who are preparing for an orthopedic consultation can make the first review more efficient by sending clear, current medical information before the appointment. The goal is not to diagnose the condition by message or to confirm surgery in advance. Rather, the records help the medical team understand the history of the problem, identify what information is already available, and decide what may still be needed during the in-person assessment.
Dr. Sartawi’s official Saudi Arabia contact page currently lists a Saudi WhatsApp number for patient enquiries and a separate Riyadh surgery-booking number. View Dr. Sartawi’s official contact page.
1. Start With a Short Medical Summary
A concise summary gives the surgeon context before reviewing scans or reports. It should include the main joint problem, when symptoms began, how pain or stiffness affects walking and daily activities, and which treatments have already been tried. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends providing the orthopedic problem, medical history, current medications, allergies, imaging and relevant operative or laboratory records during orthopedic evaluation. AAOS Patient Guide to Safe Orthopaedic Surgery
2. Send Recent X-rays and Imaging Reports
For knee or hip problems, recent X-rays are often among the most useful records because they can show joint-space loss, deformity, implant position and other structural changes. If MRI or CT imaging has already been performed, patients should send the report and, when possible, the actual imaging files rather than relying only on phone photographs or screenshots.
AAOS guidance notes that orthopedic evaluation commonly includes X-rays and that MRI or CT may be useful in selected cases. For patients who had imaging outside the treating health system, having the actual imaging available can help avoid delays. Dr. Sartawi – Knee Osteoarthritis
3. Include Previous Surgery Reports
Patients who have already undergone knee or hip surgery should send previous operative notes, discharge summaries and any available implant information. These records are especially important when the consultation is for persistent pain after surgery, a second opinion, or possible revision joint replacement. Previous reports can help the surgeon understand what procedure was performed, what components were used and whether any complications were documented.
For revision knee replacement, AAOS specifically notes the importance of imaging and a complete medical evaluation to determine why a previous knee replacement may be failing.
4. Prepare a Complete Medication and Supplement List
Patients should provide an up-to-date list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements, including the dose when known. This is particularly important for blood thinners, diabetes medicines, heart medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. The purpose is to help the team understand the patient’s medical background and plan safely if further evaluation or surgery is considered.
Patients should not stop or change prescribed medication simply because they are sending records for consultation. Medication changes should only be made after instructions from the treating medical team.
AAOS Medication Safety Checklist
5. List Allergies and Previous Reactions
The medical file should clearly identify medication allergies, food allergies and important sensitivities. If the patient has had a previous reaction to anesthesia, antibiotics or another medicine, that information should be included. AAOS recommends giving the surgical team a clear list of allergies and sensitivities during the preoperative consultation.
6. Send Information About Chronic Medical Conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease and other long-term health problems can influence orthopedic treatment planning. Patients should send relevant clinic letters, recent specialist reports or medical clearances if these documents are already available. Updated health records are particularly useful when care is being coordinated between different hospitals or cities. Dr. Sartawi – Before and After Knee Replacement Guide
7. Include Previous Treatment History
A useful consultation file should show what has already been tried. Patients can include physiotherapy summaries, injection history, previous medication plans, bracing information and relevant specialist opinions. This helps distinguish treatments that have already failed from options that may still be appropriate.
8. Laboratory and Cardiac Records: Send Them If Already Available
Routine blood tests, urine tests, ECG results or cardiology reports may become relevant when surgery is being planned, particularly for patients with other medical conditions. They are not necessarily required before the first consultation. If recent results already exist, sending them can reduce duplication and help the team understand the patient’s general medical status.
Patients should not arrange new tests solely for this initial document submission unless Dr. Sartawi’s team or the treating hospital specifically requests them.
A Simple Document Checklist for Riyadh Patients
- Short summary of symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Recent knee or hip X-rays and their radiology reports
- MRI or CT reports and original imaging files, if already performed
- Previous operation reports and discharge summaries
- Implant information, if the joint has already been replaced
- Current medication, vitamin and supplement list
- Medication and other important allergies or sensitivities
- Relevant reports for diabetes, heart, kidney or other chronic conditions
- Previous physiotherapy, injections and other treatment history
- Recent laboratory or cardiac results, if already available
How Should the Files Be Sent?
Whenever possible, reports should be sent as clear PDF files and named with the patient’s name, document type and date. Imaging should be transferred in its original format or through the hospital’s imaging-sharing system when available. If files are large, patients can ask the team which transfer method is preferred.
Sending records supports an initial review only. It does not replace the physical examination, and it does not confirm that total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, hip replacement or another procedure is appropriate.
What Happens After the Records Are Reviewed?
After the initial records are reviewed, the team may request additional imaging or reports, clarify the medical history, or arrange an in-person consultation. During the consultation, the orthopedic assessment may include a physical examination, review of walking and joint movement, evaluation of imaging, and discussion of non-surgical and surgical options.
Internal link: Learn about Partial Knee Replacement | Internal link: Same-Day Knee Replacement Information
Saudi Arabia Contact and Hospital Information
For Saudi Arabia enquiries, Dr. Sartawi’s official website currently publishes WhatsApp +966 50 019 5859 and a separate Riyadh surgery-booking WhatsApp +966 56 756 5526. Patients should confirm the current clinic location and schedule before attending.
Dr. Sartawi – Official Contact Page | Riyadh Hospital – Official Website
For Almana Hospital, the official Almana network lists Al Mana General Hospital (Aziziah) in Dammam and Almana General Hospital (Khobar) in Al Khobar as separate facilities. Patients arranging care through Almana should therefore confirm the exact branch and Dr. Sartawi’s current availability directly with the hospital before travelling. Almana General Hospital – Khobar