Evaluation & Diagnostic Procedures

Evaluation

How severe is your pain? What are your mobility limitations? Are you a candidate for joint replacement surgery? Before recommending surgery, your surgeon completes a thorough evaluation that includes:

• A detailed medical history and questionnaire. Tools like Susquehanna Health's standard pain chart help you rate your level of pain. 
• Physical exam
• X-rays of your joint (if you have these already, please bring them to your appointment).

Surgery involves some amount of risk, and our specialists first consider conservative treatments before surgery, such as physical therapy, medication, and pain management. If you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery, our expert Joint Replacement team will develop a specialized plan of care for you.

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Lab tests
  • Bone Density Scan Test
  • Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Radiographs (X-rays)
  • Ultrasound
  • Discography
  • Electromyography (EMG) analyzes electronic activity in muscles
  • Flexibility tests
  • Muscle tests
  • Physical examination
  • Range of motion testing