The orthopedic diagnostic procedure starts out with a clinical investigation including muscles, tendons, joints and bones as well as the nervous system. Often it is supplemented by  sophisticated technical diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computer tomography scanner, x-rays, raster stereography or a neurophysiological diagnosis. The last two are described below.

Raster stereography is an optical imaging procedure developed in Germany at the University of Münster from a technique originally designed for use in the space industry to measure and analyze surface contours with an extremely high degree of precision. The three-dimensional spinal analysis produces an exact stereographic image of the contour of your spine and back. The procedure is painless and involves no radiation exposure. 

We use it for early diagnosis, analysis and follow-up in the following conditions: 

• leg length discrepancy scoliosis and associated postural changes • pain disorders originating in the spine • osteoporosis • balance problems • prolapsed disc • temporomandibular joint disorders.

Additional information about raster stereography is available at Diers Company

Neurophysiological Diagnosis

Many illnesses are associated with neurological disturbances. Today, subtle changes in the sensory and motor systems can be identified in the very early stages by means of modern neurophysiological diagnostic tools. Neurophysiological diagnosis can be part of an orthopedic or internal check-up. The measurements obtained in this way help to identify aging processes of the peripheral and central nervous systems, and are often critical to selecting the right treatment. Neurophysiological diagnosis involves a minimum of discomfort. It measures nerve conduction speed, muscle activity and evoked potentials.

What are evoked potentials and how are they used?

An evoked potential is an electrical signal generated by the nervous system in response to a stimulus. In neurophysiological diagnosis, a tiny electrical stimulus is applied to the hand or foot (somatosensory evoked potential or SEP), to the ear (auditory evoked potential or AEP), or to the eyes (visual evoked potential or VEP). The duration and nature of the electrical potential elicited in the brain (central nervous system) are then measured. From this information the clinician can draw conclusions about the condition of nerve receptors, the speed at which signals travel along the nerves in the spinal column and brain (nerve conduction velocity), and the brain’s ability to respond to stimuli.

When is the evoked potential technique used?

The measurement of evoked potentials is used to assist in the diagnosis of a number of conditions, including:

• suspected impairment of neurological function in the brain and spine • pain that radiates along arms or legs • certain kinds of pain in the cervical and lumbar spine • certain types of headaches • balance problems and hearing loss • impaired vision • symptoms suggestive of premature aging of nerves and brain • muscle disorders • pinched nerves.

Additional information about neurophysiological diagnosis is available at Schwarzer Company