opportunity to address it before complications develop.

At the same time, early evaluation does not mean that a serious diagnosis is likely.

Sometimes the final explanation is completely benign.

The purpose of testing is to determine which explanation fits the evidence.

Don’t Try to Diagnose Yourself From an Image

Medical illustrations are designed to emphasize particular features.

They may exaggerate anatomy so that readers can clearly see what is being discussed.

Real human bodies rarely look as perfectly organized—or as dramatically abnormal—as textbook illustrations.

That is why comparing your knee

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