Virtual orthopedic assessment: Main principles and specific regions

Abstract

Telemedicine was originally created as a way to treat patients who were located in remote places far away from local health facilities or in areas with shortages of medical professionals. Telemedicine is still used today to address those problems, and is increasingly becoming a tool for convenient medical care. With the emergence of pandemics, telemedicine became almost a mandatory and valuable option for continuing to provide medical care in various specialties. As the threat of pandemic progress has continued for months and may continue for years, it is essential to validate existing tools to maintain clinical assessment and patient treatment to avoid negative consequences of the lack of medical follow-up. Therefore, the establishment of a virtual assessment technique that can be conducted effectively is of outmost importance as a way of adapting to the current situation. This study evaluated the role of telemedicine in the assessment of various orthopedic pathologies by means of a systematic virtual evaluation.

Keywords: Epidemic diseases; Orthopedics; Telemedicine; Virtual assessment.

Figure 1

Modified empty can test.

Figure 2

Assessing the active pronation and supination range of the elbow.

Figure 3

Phalen test.

Figure 4

Geleazzi test to assess limb length discrepancy. A: Top view; B: Side view.

Figure 5

Thessaly test. Patient stands on one leg at a time, then rotates slowly from side to side. The maneuver should be performed three times, and the test is considered positive if the patient experiences pain, locking, or catching.

Figure 6

Block test for assessment of hindfoot flexibility in cavovarus foot deformity.

Figure 7

Special tests. A: Lhermitte test; B: Slump test.