The rational initial clinical evaluation of the patient with musculoskeletal complaints

The differentiation of articular from nonarticular complaints and inflammatory from noninflammatory disorders can usually be made by clinical evaluation. Laboratory and radiographic studies serve as adjuncts in the evaluation of musculoskeletal complaints; however, before ordering these studies, it is important to consider how the findings will affect diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. An effective clinical evaluation is frequently sufficient to establish a differential diagnosis, focus further confirmatory testing, and consider appropriate treatment.