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Diseases of the elderly - Coggle Diagram
Diseases of the elderly
Physical examination
The physical examination of an elderly person with orthopedic disorders should start with a comprehensive history, including a review of systems and family history. The next step is a detailed physical examination of the musculoskeletal system, which may include the following:
- Inspection of the skin, including any wounds, bruises, or rashes.
- Range of motion and strength testing of the joints.
- Examination of the gait and ability to walk.
- Palpation of the joints for tenderness and swelling.
- Measurement of height, weight, and body mass index.
History taking
When taking a history from an elderly patient with an orthopedic disorder, it is important to ask about the following:
- When did the pain start? Is it constant or intermittent?
- What activities make the pain worse or better?
- Have you had any falls or injuries?
- Do you have any stiffness or weakness in your joints?
- Do you have any numbness, tingling, or other changes in sensation?
- Have you had any changes in your ability to walk or perform other activities of daily living?
Diagnostic studies
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- X-rays of the affected area to assess for fractures, dislocations, or degenerative changes.
- MRI scans to assess for soft tissue damage, tumors, or infection.
- CT scans to evaluate for fractures or other bone abnormalities.
- Bone density testing to assess for osteoporosis.
- Blood tests to check for infection, inflammation, or nutritional deficiencies.
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