History Taking - by anatomical region

As mentioned previously, a through history is important inorder for the clinican to make a diagnosis. The following key points should be kept in mind when taking a history of particular anatomical region. 

Shoulder

• Age of the patient
  • Younger patients - shoulder instability and acromioclavicular joint injuries are more prevalent
  • Older patients - rotator cuff injuries and degenerative joint problems are more common
• Mechanism of injury
  • Abduction and external rotation - dislocation of the shoulder
  • Direct fall onto the shoulder - acromioclavicular joint injuries
  • Chronic pain upon overhead activity or at night time - rotator cuff problem.

Elbow

• Mechanism of injury
• Age of patient
  • Younger patients - osteochondritis is more prevalent
  • Older patients - osteoarthritis and distal biceps rupture are more common
• Onset of symptoms
  • Acute - distal biceps rupture or medial collateral ligament injury 
  • Chronic - lateral epicondylitis 
• Occupation
• Secretarial work - compression neuropathy
• Tennis player - lateral epicondylitis
• Golfer - medial epicondylitis.

Hip

• Age of the patient
  • Younger patients - traumatic injuries, osteonecrosis and developmental dysplasia of the hip are more prevalent
  • Older patients - hip fractures and osteoarthritis are more common
• Mechanism of injury
• Duration of problem

Knee

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