Before a medical treatment, surgical treatment or rehabilitation protocol can be established, your orthopedist 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: Often orthopedics patients will 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 will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, and make recommendations for a treatment plan that will work best for you, based on the following criteria:
Age, overall health, and 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 that may be appropriate. Orthopedic treatment plans can involve a combination or progression of the following:
