Case finding of unrelated disease in the orthopedic clinic

Protocols for detecting hypertension and pelvic disease were established in the orthopedic outpatient department. A significant percentage (hypertension, 20%; pelvic disease, 10%) of the patients were found to have undiagnosed pathologic conditions. The cost to the orthopedist of such case finding was minimal in terms of time and money. Methods of securing adequate follow-up are discussed.