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Investigative techniques 

Investigative techniques
Chapter:
Investigative techniques
Author(s):

David Knott

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780199674107.003.0024
Page of

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date: 30 March 2020

Investigations, while useful, play a smaller role in musculoskeletal practice than in some other areas of medicine. Generally, investigations should only be requested when they are needed to exclude serious disease or where they will result in a change in the management of a case. Avoiding overuse and selecting the most appropriate investigation will result in cost and time benefits, as well as minimizing any exposure of the patient to potential harms. This chapter reviews the types of investigations commonly available to the musculoskeletal clinician, with special reference to imaging, pathology, and neurophysiological techniques. It examines the benefits and potential drawbacks of such tests.

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