Orthopedic Evaluation & Treatment
Before a medical or surgical treatment or rehabilitation protocol can be established, your orthopedic surgeon must first diagnose your condition.
An evaluation involves a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed medical profile of your current symptoms and past medical conditions.
Tests
Orthopedic patients often require further evaluation using one or more of the following tests:
- X-ray: a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams.
- Arthrogram: an X-ray to view bone structures following an injection of a contrast fluid into a joint area.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures.
- Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan.): a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images.
- Electromyogram (EMG): a test to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
- Ultrasound: a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs and structures.
- Arthroscopy: a minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used to determine the cause of joint conditions.
- Myelogram: This procedure involves the injection of a dye or contrast material into the spinal canal.
- Radionuclide bone scan: This is a nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the patient's bloodstream to be detected by a scanner.
Treatment
Your orthopedic surgeon performs a comprehensive evaluation of your condition and makes recommendations for a treatment plan that works best for you, based on:
- Age, overall health, medical history
- Extent of the disease, injury, or condition
- Tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease, injury, or condition
Options
For most orthopedic disorders and injuries, there is more than one possible treatment plan. Orthopedic treatment plans can involve a combination or progression of the following:
- Rest
- Medication
- Immobilization
- Activity modifications
- Physical, Occupational and Rehabilitative therapy
- Exercise
- Casts
- Splints
- Braces
- Procedures, such as arthroscopy
- Surgery, such as joint replacement