What happens during an orthopedic evaluation?

An orthopedic evaluation typically includes a review of your medical history, physical examination of the affected area, range of motion and strength testing, and possibly diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI. The doctor will assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.

What should I bring to my orthopedic appointment?

Bring your insurance information, photo ID, a list of current medications, any relevant medical records or imaging studies, and a list of questions for your doctor. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined is helpful.

How long does an orthopedic evaluation take?

An initial orthopedic evaluation typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition. This includes time for history-taking, physical examination, and discussion of findings and treatment options.

Orthopedic Evaluation

An orthopedic evaluation is an initial clinical assessment used to look into musculoskeletal conditions. It may include a detailed review of medical history and symptoms, a physical exam that checks range of motion, strength, and reflexes, and sometimes imaging studies. The process can help identify possible causes of pain, swelling, or limited mobility, with discussion of lifestyle factors and activity levels.

Key Facts

•A thorough assessment combining medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging
•Identifies the source of pain or dysfunction and guides treatment planning
•Includes range of motion testing, strength assessment, and special diagnostic tests
•Results inform whether conservative care, injections, or surgery may be considered

Overview

An orthopedic evaluation is an initial clinical assessment for musculoskeletal conditions, which may include a detailed medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies. This evaluation can help identify the underlying causes of symptoms such as pain, swelling, or limited mobility.

Typical Steps

An orthopedic evaluation generally follows a structured process:

History and Context

•Review of medical history and symptoms

Physical Examination

•Physical examination assessing range of motion, strength, and reflexes

Testing and Imaging

•Possible imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs

Additional Steps

•Discussion of lifestyle factors and activity levels
•Development of a preliminary diagnosis and treatment plan

What to Bring

To ensure a productive appointment, consider bringing:

•List of current medications
•Previous medical records or imaging results
•Insurance information
•Comfortable clothing for physical examination

Red Flags

Certain symptoms require urgent evaluation:

•Severe pain that does not improve with rest
•Sudden inability to move a limb
•Signs of infection such as fever or redness
•Numbness or tingling in extremities

What Happens Next

Following an orthopedic evaluation, clinicians typically discuss findings and recommend a treatment plan. This may include conservative measures such as physical therapy, medications, or activity modifications. If imaging or additional tests are indicated, the next steps are explained. For some conditions, injections or surgical options may be discussed when conservative treatment is unlikely to provide sufficient relief. Follow-up appointments are commonly scheduled to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.