Orthopedic Tests Health Article

Definition

Orthopedic tests are designed to evaluate individuals for musculoskeletal impairment. Orthopedic tests enable the clinician, such as a physician or physical therapist, to identify a specific area of injury and aid in the diagnosis and treatment plan of the injured individual. There is a general plan for physical assessment that includes taking a patient's history; examining how the patient moves and how individual joints move; evaluating sensation and reflexes; and, if necessary, administering diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis. These are specific orthopedic tests for the upper and lower extremities as well as the spine. The orthopedic tests, or "special tests," help the clinician in the differential diagnosis of the patient.

Purpose

A medical or health history taken by the clinician is extremely important in evaluating and diagnosing the patient. A patient's description of the pain, weakness, or both will guide the clinician as to what structures to evaluate and which orthopedic tests, if necessary, to complete. After the history has been taken, the clinician may focus on sensory and reflex testing to evaluate the integrity of the nervous system. Depending on where the injury or impairment is on the body, the clinician may opt to evaluate range of motion of the joint(s) of the area of injury or near the injury. For example, if a patient has knee pain, the clinician will more than likely assess how far the patient can bend the knee and straighten the knee. The clinician will compare this movement to the uninvolved side or "good leg." Thus, the clinician has a baseline for the individual and the "good leg" serves as a reference point or goal. It is usually advisable that the "good side" always be evaluated first, so that a true comparison can be made to the affected side. Obviously, if there is bilateral involvement the clinician must use his/her experience with other patients to evaluate and set a plan of care. Also included in an assessment is the evaluation of muscle strength.