Information for informed conversations
Patient Education
Explore OSM information about orthopedic conditions, surgery, recovery and home exercise, along with links to established patient-education organizations.
Preparing for your appointment
Help your care team see the full picture
A little preparation can make it easier to describe what you are experiencing, understand your options and leave with clear next steps.
Describe what is happening
- Note when your symptoms began and how they have changed.
- Record what makes them better or worse.
- Explain how they affect movement, sleep, work or everyday activities.
Bring relevant information
- List medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements, including doses.
- Include allergies, medication reactions, medical history and prior surgeries.
- Bring requested records, imaging and imaging reports when available.
Plan for the conversation
- Write down your most important questions before the visit.
- Consider bringing a trusted person to listen and take notes.
- Ask for clarification or written instructions whenever something is unclear.
Questions worth bringing
Make the next step clear
Your questions can help connect the medical recommendation to your goals, responsibilities and daily life.
- What may be causing my symptoms?
- What treatment options should we consider, including nonsurgical options?
- Why is the recommended test or treatment needed?
- What are the expected benefits and possible risks or complications?
- What should I expect during recovery and return to activity?
- What changes or concerns should prompt me to contact the office?
Preparation guidance informed by AAOS OrthoInfo, MedlinePlus and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Follow instructions provided directly by OSM for your appointment.
Essential patient resources
A clear place to begin
Start with the directory, visit information or frequently asked questions that best match what you are trying to accomplish.
Conditions and Procedures
Find orthopedic care pathways, conditions treated and procedures available at OSM.
Explore the directory →New Patient Information
Access appointment, payment, prescription and patient-form information.
Prepare for your visit →General FAQ
Review OSM answers to frequently asked questions about orthopedic care and surgery.
View frequently asked questions →BMI Calculator
Use OSM's body mass index calculator and review the accompanying information.
Open the calculator →Meet the OSM Team
Explore OSM physicians, physician assistants, hand therapy professionals and leadership.
View the team →Request an Appointment
Send an online appointment request or call OSM at 503-224-8399.
Request an appointment →Surgery and recovery
Information for the path ahead
Follow the specific instructions provided by your physician. These resources provide additional information for patients directed to use them.
After Total Joint Surgery
Review OSM information about possible complications following total joint surgery.
View the resource →Hip Exercise Program
Review the hip home exercises your physician may recommend as part of recovery.
View hip exercises →Knee Exercise Program
Review the knee home exercises your physician may recommend as part of recovery.
View knee exercises →Nutritional Supplements
Read OSM's patient information about nutritional supplements.
View supplement information →Condition education
Learn about orthopedic conditions
These articles explain commonly discussed joint conditions and the evaluation and treatment topics associated with them.
Osteoarthritis
Learn about osteoarthritis, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment considerations.
Read about osteoarthritis →Osteonecrosis
Learn about osteonecrosis and how reduced blood supply can affect bone and joints.
Read about osteonecrosis →Rheumatoid Arthritis
Learn about rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms and approaches to medical management.
Read about rheumatoid arthritis →Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Review information about developmental dysplasia of the hip, commonly abbreviated DDH.
Read about DDH →Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Review OSM's educational information about Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
Read the article →Pediatric orthopedic information
Cast care and childhood fractures
Use these resources when directed by your child's healthcare professional, and contact the treating office with questions about individual care instructions.
General Cast Care
Review information about caring for a cast and recognizing concerns that require a call to the treating office.
View cast-care information →Trauma and Bone Fractures in Children
Learn about children's bone fractures, evaluation and commonly discussed treatment considerations.
View pediatric fracture information →Additional sources
External patient education
These independent professional, nonprofit and federal health organizations offer broader patient education. Their content and privacy practices are separate from OSM.
OrthoInfo
Peer-reviewed orthopedic patient education from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Visit OrthoInfo →NIAMS
Health information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Explore NIAMS topics →MedlinePlus
Consumer health information from the National Library of Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Explore bone, joint and muscle topics →AHRQ Questions
Question prompts from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to support informed conversations.
Review questions to ask →HipKneeInfo
Patient information from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
Visit HipKneeInfo →Arthritis Foundation
Education, support and resources for people affected by arthritis.
Visit the Arthritis Foundation →Education is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
General information cannot account for your examination, medical history, imaging, symptoms or goals. Follow the instructions provided by your physician, especially before beginning exercises or making decisions about treatment.
Have questions about your care?
Connect with the OSM team.
Request an appointment online or call the office for help finding the appropriate next step.