Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Evaluation Procedures for Children

What are standard evaluation procedures?

Before your child’s healthcare provider can recommend treatment or rehabilitation, he or she must first find out the reason for, and source of, your child's condition. This typically means doing a full physical exam and taking a detailed health history. Tell your child's provider about any other illnesses, injuries, or complaints that have been linked to the pain or condition. Also tell the provider about any past treatments or medicines prescribed. Some early tests may then be done, including:

Boy lying on back on table under X-ray machine. Health care provider is moving machine into place.

  • Blood tests

  • X-rays. A diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

Advanced evaluation procedures

Children who need further evaluation may have 1 or more of the following:

  • MRI. A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

  • CT scan. A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

  • EMG (electromyogram). A test used to evaluate nerve and muscle function.

  • Bone scan. A nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative or arthritic changes in the joints. It can also detect bone diseases and tumors, and determine the cause of bone inflammation.

  • Ultrasound. This is becoming a common test for evaluating musculoskeletal complaints. It uses sound waves to form images of the body.

After reviewing the test results, your child's orthopedist will discuss all treatment options with you. The doctor will help you select the best treatment plan to help your child live an active and functional life.

Online Medical Reviewer: Goode, Paula, RN, BSN, MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Joseph, Thomas N., MD
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.