Clinical History and Physical Examination Considerations

Description

In this informative presentation, Dr. Janet Conway outlines key considerations for clinical history and physical examinations, particularly focusing on bone infections and associated deformities. She emphasizes the importance of a structured office visit template comprising sections for good patient history, homework tasks, problems, and solutions. Dr. Conway provides a comprehensive example involving a 54-year-old male patient with an infected nonunion of the tibia, detailing specific aspects of his examination, including vascular status, soft tissue conditions, and personal history factors such as smoking and medication use.



The talk further delves into potential complications that may arise in surgical settings, such as issues related to blood flow, soft tissue concerns, and the patient's overall health status, including the impacts of diabetes and anticoagulant use. Dr. Conway stresses a thorough physical exam, illustrating the evaluation of joint range of motion, limb alignment, and specific deformities relevant to the case.



Throughout the session, practical examination techniques are illustrated, including how to assess hip and knee function, evaluate alignment, and identify soft tissue integrity. The importance of planning surgical approaches based on these evaluations is underscored, including the consideration of flap surgeries, corrective osteotomies, and the management of complicating factors like poor soft tissue conditions or previous surgical history.



Dr. Conway concludes with a reaffirmation of the necessity of meticulous physical exams in addressing complex patient issues and optimizing surgical interventions.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230048

Specialties