While radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have long been used in the assessment of osteoarthritis (OA), ultrasound imaging has been rapidly accepted by musculoskeletal providers in both the assessment and treatment of OA. A limiting factor in the use of ultrasound is the proper training required by the user for results to be reliable and reproducible. A standardized ultrasound protocol can potentially address this limiting factor. The critical information to consider in a standardized protocol include proper patient positioning, probe alignment, probe orientation, and identification of the appropriate anatomic landmarks. The outlined protocol considers these factors with the purpose of providing a step-by-step method to assess and monitor knee OA.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the utility of telemedicine, with rapid incorporation throughout 2020. Telemedicine is a timely, safe, and effective means of evaluating, triaging, and treating patient conditions, including those of the musculoskeletal system. Hand and wrist complaints are frequently encountered in the primary care setting, and some can have serious consequences if not promptly diagnosed. Prior to the pandemic, over a quarter of the nation's allopathic degree-granting medical schools had initiated telemedicine training as part of the preclinical phase of their curriculum, and about half had implemented it into clerkships prior to the pandemic. Despite rapid acceptance, increased ease of access, and prior attempts to incorporate telemedicine into the educational curriculum, telemedicine evaluation continues to pose challenges to both the patient and provider. This is likely due to a lack of established protocols outlining clinical data collection through a virtual interface. Although telemedicine requires the patient to perform a physical examination, it allows the physician to collect clinically important information while observing the patient in their home environment.Aims: The aim of this paper is to provide a step-by-step method to evaluate and triage hand and wrist complaints.Methods: Our group has created a step-by-step evaluation pathway to help physicians direct their patients through typical hand and wrist examination elements, including inspection, palpation, range of motion (ROM), strength, special, and functional testing.Results: We have developed a table of evaluation questions and instructions and a glossary of images of each maneuver to facilitate hand and wrist examination via telemedicine. Conclusion:This paper provides a guide for extracting clinically relevant information while performing telemedicine examinations of the hand.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in rapid healthcare system adaptations, including the acceptance of telemedicine in primary care. In the case of knee ailments, among the most common problems encountered in primary care, telemedicine provides a literal window to observe the patient performing functional activities. Despite its potential, there is a lack of standardized protocols for data collection. The purpose of this article is to provide a step-by-step protocol to aid in performing a telemedicine examination of the knee. MethodsThis article provides a step-by-step guide for a telehealth examination of the knee. ResultsA step-by-step examination of how to structure a telemedicine evaluation of the knee. A glossary of images of each maneuver has been included to demonstrate the components of the examination. Additionally, a table of questions and possible answers were included to help guide the provider through a knee examination. ConclusionThis article provides a structured and efficient means of extracting clinically relevant information during telemedicine examinations of the knee.
No abstract
No abstract
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.