An orthopedic examination is an evaluation that gives your surgeon the information they need to ascertain the best pain-relieving procedures for you. In the process of determining the most appropriate form of treatment for your musculoskeletal condition or injury, orthopedic surgeons perform thorough orthopedic examinations.
These examinations provide your surgeon with the information they need to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Preparing for your orthopedic evaluation ahead of time can save you from the time and expense of extra follow-up visits.
If you will be meeting an orthopedic surgeon for the first time, it is helpful to know what to expect during the orthopedic evaluation. Your initial appointment will most likely include one or more of the following:
Medical History Orthopedic Examination:
Here is another indispensable reason for the orthopedic examination. It is advisable to be as specific as possible when describing your pain. Use details such as where you feel pain, what type of pain you have, how often it hurts, how severe your pain is, and whether or not pain is preventing you from enjoying daily activities. You should also describe any past injuries that could be contributing to your pain. Let your surgeon know about any other chronic pain you deal with, even if it seems unrelated.
The doctor will also inquire about your general health and any existing conditions that you have including arthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Some of these conditions can impact the treatment recommendation that a surgeon makes.
Physical Tests:
To assess your range of motion, swelling, reflexes, and skin condition, an Orthopedist will make use of various physical tests. For instance, if you have knee pain, the surgeon will use an instrument that resembles a protractor to measure how far you can extend your leg in front and flex it behind you. The doctor will observe your general ability to move around while walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, bending forward and backward, and performing other basic movements. These tests help the orthopedic surgeon rule out or confirm possible diagnoses.
X-Rays And Other Imaging:
If your orthopedic surgeon needs more in-depth information on the affected area, they might order imaging tests, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reveal a wide range of conditions including change in size or shape (e.g., narrowing or thickening) for a particular part of the body. These tests provide your surgeon with detailed images and information on your condition and help them spot any signs of swelling, infection, or displacement.
It is important to know that your surgeon might need to test more than the area that is causing you pain. For instance, hip pain can be caused by problems with your lower part of the spine while shoulder pain is sometimes caused by musculoskeletal problems in your upper spine or neck.
Your doctor will discuss your treatment plans with you, once the examination has been concluded considering your medical history and physical tests.
Want to learn more about orthopedic examination methods and the right doctors to help you carry out the right exams?
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