An appointment with an orthopedic surgeon is often the next step when joint, bone, or muscle symptoms persist despite rest and basic treatment. The goal of the visit is to identify the cause of pain or dysfunction and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Here is what to expect at your appointment with an orthopedic surgeon:
Evaluating Your Problem
The initial portion of your visit focuses on a comprehensive review of your medical background and current symptoms. The orthopedic surgeon asks specific questions regarding the location, duration, and intensity of your pain. They also inquire about the circumstances surrounding the onset of the problem, such as whether it resulted from a specific injury or developed gradually over time. This information allows the doctor to narrow down potential diagnoses and determine which physical tests are necessary.
You should be prepared to discuss your occupation, recreational activities, and any previous surgeries or treatments for similar issues. The surgeon reviews your general health status to identify underlying conditions that may affect your musculoskeletal health. The doctor documents these details in your medical record and uses the data to guide the physical examination.
Performing Exams and Tests
Following the medical history review, the orthopedic surgeon performs a hands-on physical examination to evaluate the affected area. Here’s what you can expect during the physical exam:
- Inspection and Palpation: The surgeon visually examines the area for swelling, bruising, or deformity, and palpates specific points to detect tenderness.
- Range of Motion Assessment: The provider moves the joint through its full range of motion to identify stiffness or mechanical limitations.
- Strength Testing: You push against resistance applied by the doctor to determine if muscle weakness is contributing to the problem.
- Stability Assessment: Specific maneuvers stress the ligaments to assess for laxity or tears within the joint.
- Reflex and Sensory Checks: The specialist tests nerve function to see if compression or damage helps explain the symptoms.
These tests provide immediate clinical data regarding the structural integrity of your bones and soft tissues.
Using Imaging for Diagnosis
While the physical exam provides substantial information, internal visualization is often required to confirm a diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging allows the orthopedic surgeon to visualize the bones, joints, and soft tissues in great detail. An X-ray is typically the first imaging tool utilized to assess bone alignment and identify fractures or arthritis.
If the doctor suspects damage to ligaments, tendons, or cartilage, they may order a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. In some complex cases, a Computed Tomography (CT) scan is necessary to visualize bone structure in cross-section. This is helpful for evaluating complex fractures or surgical planning. The orthopedic surgeon reviews these images with you to explain the findings and correlate them with your physical symptoms.
Planning Next Steps
Once the diagnosis is established through history, examination, and imaging, the orthopedic surgeon discusses the available management options. Here are key components that may be included in your management options:
- Conservative Management: This includes rest, ice, activity modification, and physical therapy to strengthen the supporting muscles.
- Medication Strategies: The doctor prescribes anti-inflammatories or other medications to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Therapeutic Injections: Corticosteroid injections deliver medication directly to the joint to provide relief.
- Surgical Intervention: If non-surgical methods are ineffective, the surgeon discusses procedures such as arthroscopy, repair, or joint replacement.
- Follow-up Protocol: You schedule a return visit to monitor progress and adjust the treatment strategy as needed.
Adhering to the prescribed plan is helpful for achieving the best possible functional outcome.
See an Orthopedic Surgeon Today
Consulting with a specialist provides a definitive approach toward alleviating pain and restoring function. The appointment includes a thorough evaluation, diagnostic testing, and the creation of a personalized care strategy. Contact a certified orthopedic surgeon near you to book your appointment today.
