Diagnosis and Screening for Orthopaedic Conditions

Overview

A variety of tests can be used to diagnose and screen for orthopaedic conditions. Some diagnostic tests help determine the location and severity of the condition, while others may help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

Common orthopaedic tests include bone densitometry, skeletal scintigraphy, discography, myelography and electromyography. Most of these tests rely on proven technology, such as X-ray, MRI, ultrasound and computed tomography. Other tests, such as flexibility tests, stress tests, muscle tests and gait analysis, may be used to assess range of motion or identify abnormalities in skeletal alignment or muscle function.

Additional tests, including muscle biopsy and bone marrow biopsy, may be needed in certain cases to help narrow down the diagnosis.

Treatments, Tests and Therapies