Orthopedic clinical examination
To define the diagnosis and discuss with you about the best treatment options.
In orthopedics, a clinical examination is a systematic process used by doctors to evaluate a patient's musculoskeletal system. It's a crucial step in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The process begins with a thorough **anamnesis** (taking the patient's history) and combines this with a hands-on evaluation.
Anamnesis:
Questions from the doctor to the patient, a detailed conversation and collection of information.
Outbreak and nature of the problem:
When did the symptoms start? Was the start sudden or gradual? What kind of pain does the patient experience (sharp, dull, current)? What activities improve or worsen pain? What are functional limitations
Past medical history:
Have there been similar pains in the past? Does the patient have any background diseases (such as arthritis or diabetes) that may affect his musculoskeletal system? Have there been previous injuries or surgeries?
Medications:
What medications is the patient taking? Some medications can affect musculoskeletal health.
Physical examination:
Perform a comparative physical examination of the joints along the entire dorsal length, walking, standing, lying and resting.
The physical examination that usually includes the following steps:
Inspection:
The doctor carefully observes the patient's posture, gait (how he walks), and any visible sign of deformation, swelling or bruising. This visual assessment helps to identify potential problem areas, axis scheme of the limbs.
Palpation:
The doctor carefully feels the affected area to check for sensitivity, swelling, fever, or abnormal tissue textures. It helps to pinpoint the exact location of the pain or identify abnormalities that are not easily visible.
Range Of Motion (ROM):
The doctor assesses the degree and smoothness of movement of the joint. Limitations in ROM can indicate injury, inflammation, or stiffness.
Specific tests:
Depending on the suspected problem, the doctor may perform specific tests to assess the stability of the joint, the integrity of the ligaments...
Neurological examination and vascular examination:
Testing muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation to determine if nerves are involved. Checking blood flow (knocks).
In accordance with the guidelines received in this review, certain tests will still be carried out.
Preclinical Tests, Imaging Interpretation:
X-rays
The prescriiption will be made by the family doctor or specialist.
CT scan
Bone injuries (cysts and tumors), fractures, assessment of bone density, joint structures, may justify the use of computed tomography (CT).
MRI examination
Problems with joints of tissue origin, lesions of cartilage or tendons, tumors, ganglia, often require further evaluation using ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.
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Sometimes it is necessary to make use of an iodine-based contrast agent for testing. We make sure of the absence of sensitivity.
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Summary:
The combined information from the anamnesis and physical examination, along with any imaging results, is used by the orthopedic physician to reach a diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan. The entire process focuses on the patient, with the aim of understanding not only the physical problem but also its impact on the overall functioning and quality of life of the patient.
