Orthopaedic History and Examination Flashcards
What are the common presenting complaints of patients with an orthopaedic problem?
- Pain
- Loss of function
- Deformity
- Cosmetic or causing loss of function
- Stiffness
Stiffness that is worse in the morning is more suggestive of what condition?
Rheumatoid arthritis
What makes RA stiffness better?
As the joints are used more throughout the day?
Stiffness that is consistently bad upon movement is more suggestive of what condition?
Osteoarthritis
What can relieve OA stiffness?
- Not moving
- NSAIDs
What factors are particularly important when taking an orthopaedic history?
- Living situation
- Occupation
- Handedness
Why are handedness, occupation and living situation important to an orthopaedic history?
They allow you to assess the necessary steps needed to improve function and ensure adequate return to normal life
How can orhtopaedic pain be assessed?
SQITARS
What SQITARS factor is important in an orthopaedic history?
Initiating factor (may point to trauma)
What aspects of a patient’s functionality should be assessed when taking an orthopaedic history?
- Can they walk?
- Can they stand?
- Can they rest?
- Can they sleep?
What are the types of grip the hand should be assessed for?
- Lateral
- Power
- Tripod
- Tip
- Extension
- Spherical
What are some common hip pathologies?
- Septic arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Neck of femur fractures
- Trochanteric bursitis
- Muscle sprain
What are some common knee pathologies?
- Tibial plateua fracture
- Ligament sprain
- Liagament rupture
- Meniscal tear
- Unhappy triad
- Osteoarthritis
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Septic arthritis
- Gout
- Bursitis
What are some red flag symptoms to be aware of when taking an orthopaedic history?
- Weight loss
- Bone pain
- Neurological symptoms
