Joint and Functional Examinations in the Orthopaedic and Traumatological Video Consultation - What is Currently Possible?

Background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, video consultations have gained importance in orthopaedic and traumatological departments. In current literature, different adaptations of classic joint and functional examinations have been described for the virtual examination.

Methodology: A systematic review of current literature on adaptations for the virtual joint and functional examination in orthopaedics and trauma surgery was performed over PubMed (January 2010 to April 2021). The identified examination methods were then summarised systematically according to body region and pathology. Each examination was then described in detail and depicted in an exemplary picture.

Results: In total 17 articles were identified and included in the analysis. Most of the examinations employed classical examination methods which were adapted so that they could be performed by the patient independently. Everyday items were described as supporting tools. In five publications, orthopaedic examinations performed in video consultations were compared to the classical examination. Results of functional examinations showed less agreement with results of classical orthopaedic examinations when compared to inspection and ROM-testing.

Conclusion: Current literature offers a substantial repertoire of examination options that can be used in the orthopaedic and traumatological video consultation. The reported examinations are mostly oriented to classical orthopaedic examinations. In future digital examinations have to be validated and possibly further adapted in future.