Orthopaedic Examination is the first and most important step for the diagnostic evaluation of any musculoskeletal discomfort. Whether it is a recent injury or persistent pain affecting your daily life, you do not need to know the cause of the problem in advance.
The Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Alexandros Tzaveas carefully evaluates your symptoms to determine the cause of the discomfort and jointly establish a personalized treatment plan with the patient.
An orthopaedic examination is not only for a recent injury. It can also be the first step for discomforts that have gradually appeared, for pain that recurs, or for symptoms that begin to affect work, walking, exercise, or other daily activities.
What is an Orthopaedic Examination?
Orthopaedic Examination is the initial evaluation of any musculoskeletal problem.
Its purpose is not merely to locate the pain but to comprehensively investigate the condition:
When and how the symptom started
Which movements cause or worsen it
If there is a limitation in functionality or difficulty in daily life
If there has been a prior injury
If there are signs of instability or stiffness
If further diagnostic or imaging tests are required
Accurate diagnosis is always based on the combination of medical history, clinical examination, and —where necessary— appropriate tests.
This way, not only the symptom is evaluated, but also the overall way it affects the patient's movement. This is crucial, as two patients with similar pain may have different causes and, therefore, require different management.
When is an Orthopaedic Examination needed?
The examination is the appropriate choice when there is musculoskeletal discomfort but no clear diagnosis yet.
You can schedule your visit when experiencing:
Pain in the hip, knee, or another joint, e.g., spine or neck (after exercise, injury, or without apparent cause)
Stiffness or a feeling of 'locking' and sounds ('clicks') during movement
Swelling or a feeling of instability in the joint
Difficulty in walking or limitation in your range of motion
Persistent or recurring symptoms that do not subside with rest
Worsening of a previous orthopaedic condition
The pain does not need to be intense to be evaluated. Even mild discomforts affecting your daily activities are a substantial reason for orthopaedic assessment.
Additionally, it is the right choice if you are unsure which specialized service to choose when booking your appointment.
What does an Orthopaedic Examination include?
The examination is completed in two main stages:
1. Medical History Taking
We discuss your symptoms in detail, focusing on:
The duration, intensity, and onset of pain
Possible previous injuries or treatments
Your level of daily and athletic activity
2. Clinical Evaluation & Tests
The physician conducts a targeted examination of the affected area, assessing:
Range of motion and muscle strength
Joint stability and gait
Possible signs of inflammation or mechanical blockage
At the same time, special clinical tests are performed, chosen according to the symptoms and the joint being examined. This way, the function of the joints and surrounding musculoskeletal structures can be more specifically evaluated, and the possible causes of the problem can be investigated.
I don't know my diagnosis – can I book an appointment?
Absolutely. In fact, the Orthopaedic Examination is the appropriate service when there is a symptom but no prior diagnosis.
You only need to know what you feel —for example, 'my knee hurts on the stairs' or 'I feel discomfort in the hip when sitting.'
Therefore, you do not need to try to diagnose yourself before the visit or choose a specific treatment from the start. The clinical evaluation will determine the cause of the pain and correctly guide the next steps.
Do I need to have an MRI or X-ray done?
Not necessarily. In many cases, it is preferable for the clinical examination to precede, so that the imaging test that is truly appropriate for you can be requested afterward. This avoids unnecessary or non-targeted tests.
If it is deemed necessary to have a test before your appointment, you will be informed in time by the secretary, and the corresponding electronic prescription will be forwarded to you.
If, however, you already have previous tests, it is good to bring them with you:
X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans
Ultrasounds
Blood tests
Previous medical reports
Note: It is particularly useful to have the actual images of the tests (on CD or USB/file), in addition to the written report.
Why is the clinical examination important?
MRI or X-ray are valuable tools, but they are not evaluated in isolation from the patient.
An imaging finding on an X-ray or MRI does not always correspond to the actual cause of the pain.
The accurate diagnostic approach combines:
Symptoms and medical history
The physical clinical examination
The functionality and mobility of the patient
The imaging findings, when required
This way, a more comprehensive picture of the problem can be formed.
The correlation of imaging findings with actual symptoms and the clinical picture is important for treatment planning. The goal is not just to address a finding in a test, but the problem causing symptoms and limiting the patient.
What happens after the Orthopaedic Examination?
After the evaluation is completed, you are thoroughly informed about the examination findings, and we plan the next steps together.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include:
Conservative management (e.g., medication, physiotherapy, activity modification)
Further diagnostic testing (if additional imaging is required)
Specialized interventional or surgical management (if a specific condition is identified that requires it)
Each treatment plan is completely personalized based on the diagnosis, age, activity level, severity of symptoms, and the extent to which the problem affects the patient's daily life.
Orthopaedic Examination for Hip and Knee
The Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Alexandros Tzaveas has particular expertise in hip and knee conditions and surgery.
The clinical examination allows for the accurate assessment of joint mobility and stability, focusing on symptoms such as:
Hip pain may be felt when there is:
Pain in the groin, around the joint, or when sitting
Discomfort during walking or daily activities
Stiffness
Restriction of movement
A feeling of 'click' or engagement
The clinical examination helps to assess hip mobility and investigate whether the symptoms are related to the joint or other structures in the area.
Knee pain can also occur in different conditions, such as:
Pain during walking, exercise, or climbing/descending stairs
Swelling
A feeling of instability
Difficulty in full flexion/extension
A feeling of blockage
If a specific injury is identified, the patient is immediately directed to the appropriate specialized therapeutic or surgical option.
From Diagnosis to Correct Treatment
The appropriate therapeutic approach is always determined after the accurate identification of the cause of the symptoms.
For many patients, a conservative approach is more than sufficient. However, when more specialized or invasive care is required, Dr. Alexandros Tzaveas's clinic offers modern therapeutic options such as:
Hip & Knee Arthroscopy
Total Hip & Knee Arthroplasty
Robotic Surgery for Hip & Knee
Biologic Therapies (PRP / Stem Cells) for conditions and injuries in the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, etc.
Treatment of Sports Injuries
The initial Orthopaedic Examination is the starting point: it provides you with a clear diagnosis and a responsible roadmap for addressing the issue.
First visit to an Orthopaedic Specialist?
When a new or persistent symptom appears, the first and most important step is an accurate diagnosis. The Orthopaedic Examination is designed to give you a clear picture of the condition and guide you responsibly through the next steps.
For better evaluation, it is useful to have with you:
Previous tests or reports related to the problem (X-rays, MRIs, laboratory tests).
Information on previous treatments or physiotherapies you may have followed and if there was any improvement.
A brief description of your symptoms: when the pain occurs, which movements worsen it, and how it affects your daily or athletic activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to know my diagnosis before booking an appointment?
No. The Orthopaedic Examination is precisely the right choice when there is a symptom without a prior diagnosis.
2. Do I need to have an MRI first?
Not necessarily. The doctor will assess if imaging is needed after the clinical examination. If an examination is required before the meeting, you will be informed by the secretary for the prescription.
3. Can I bring previous tests?
Yes. It is very helpful to bring X-rays, MRIs (ideally with images on CD/USB), or previous reports with you.
4. Does the pain need to be severe to visit an orthopaedic specialist?
No. Even mild but persistent pains, stiffness, a feeling of instability, or old injuries that recur require evaluation.
5. How long does the examination last?
The estimated time of the visit is about 30 minutes. However, the necessary time and full attention required for proper history taking, clinical evaluation, and detailed discussion of the next steps are always provided, without any rush.
6. What if I need specialized treatment?
The doctor will present the available options (conservative or surgical) in detail and you will determine the next steps together.
7. Can I book an appointment for an old injury?
Yes. The Orthopaedic Examination can address both recent symptoms and discomforts that persist or reappear after a previous injury.
Book an Appointment for an Orthopaedic Examination
If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or limited movement, choose Orthopaedic Examination when booking your appointment.
Dr. Alexandros Tzaveas will accurately assess your condition, offering a responsible and personalized direction for addressing the issue.
