Best practice
In the question-and-answer session following the talk, Fernando Zikan, MD, from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro noted that, “in underdeveloped countries, we still find it very difficult to guide good practices for joint health control by the patient and family members. Which strategy do you think is fundamental for the patient to feel safe to notice changes in his body?”
“It would be useful to educate patients to come to the center whenever the patient has trauma and whenever an increase in his physical activity occurs. If this is far, a bedside ultrasound evaluation by the general practitioner could help avoid joint damage. Finally, a correct rehabilitation is fundamental,” Dr. Gualtierotti replied.
Asked by several others whether she used ultrasound in her daily practice, Dr. Gualtierotti said that “we use joint ultrasound in our clinical practice in the regular annual check-up examination and whenever the patient suspects and reports hemarthrosis.”
Dr. Gualtierotti reported participation in advisory boards for Biomarin, Pfizer, Bayer, and Takeda, and in educational seminars sponsored by Pfizer, Sobi, and Roche. She has received support for congress travel and/or attendance by Bayer and Pfizer. Dr. Zikan reported no relevant disclosures.