Orthopaedic Registrar

1238 Gympie Road

Chermside, 4352
7/11/10
Dear Dr. James Brown,
Re : David Taylor
As arranged with your receptionist, I am writing to refer this 38-year-old married man
who is demonstrating signs and symptoms suggestive of damaged cartilage on his left knee
joint. He is a landscape gardener and runs his own business.
Mr. Taylor first attended to me suffering from swollen left knee joint with pain on
12/08/10. His past medical history was unremarkable except he is a heavy smoker, had a
twisted left knee joint 6 months ago and underwent an inguinal hernia operation in 2008. On
examination, he had limp, tenderness on the medial aspect of the joint without effusion. His
vitals were normal. X-ray showed no abnormality and Voltarin was prescribed. In addition, he
was adviced to reduce smoking and return if there is no improvement. He returned on
25/8/10 with persistant symptoms. His muscle strength was impaired. He was advised to
continue Voltarin and return in a week.
Regrettably, he admitted on 7/11/10 without improvement. Although pain was
decreased, swelling was still there. He was anxious about being unable to manage full time
work. MRI revealed medial cartilage damage.
In view of the above history and physical findings, I believe he needs further
management. I would appreciate it if you could offer your expert assessment for him. Please
note that he has no personal injury insurance.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Peter Perfect