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PubMed1992

Diagnosis of sinusitis in adults: history, physical examination, nasal cytology, echo, and rhinoscope.

The symptoms of sinusitis are common and overlap other diseases ranging from common colds to perennial rhinitis. When symptoms are prolonged and interfere with daily living, an appropriate set of investigations are indicated. The workup is designed to detect both the presence and extent of any disease in the paranasal sinus cavities. In chronic sinusitis, a constellation of nonspecific symptoms such as facial pressure, headache, nasal obstruction, and drainage may occur. Physical examination is important to exclude anatomic causes of symptoms. A negative physical examination does not rule out the diagnosis. Adjunctive tests in selected cases include nasal cytologic studies, ultrasound studies, and the use of flexible or rigid nasal endoscopes, in addition to imaging tests such as radiology and computed tomography.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Usefulness of ultrasonography combined with conventional physical examination in mass screening for breast cancer: a retrospective study of Yamanashi Health Care Center results from 1989 to 1994.

We retrospectively analyzed the records for 34,474 women who participated in mass screening for breast cancer by physical examination with or without ultrasonography (US) at Yamanashi Health Care Center between April, 1989 and March, 1994 to evaluate the usefulness of US in mass screening. In one group (15,935 women) conventional physical examination with inspection and palpation alone had been performed, and in another (18,539 women) both conventional physical and US examinations were performed. Breast cancer was detected in 27 of the women (0.08% of the total group screened), 22 of whom were in the group examined by US; moreover, 16 of these 22 women had early breast cancer, which was a non-palpable tumor in 13. Half of the 22 women were examinees under the age of 50 years. Of the 22 tumors detected in the groups examined by US, 16 (73%) were early breast cancer. The overall detection of early breast cancer (0.09%) in the US group was significantly higher than that (0.01%) in the group examined by conventional methods (P < 0.05). Of the tumors detected in the US group, 59.1% were non-palpable. These results suggest that early and non-palpable breast cancer can be detected using US, and the incidence of detection of such tumors in women under the age 50 years is increased in mass screening including US examination. This examination is effective in mass screening for breast cancer, especially for early and non-palpable breast cancer tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Radioimmunoguided surgery in recurrent colorectal cancer: the role of carcinoembryonic antigen, computerized tomography, and physical examination.

From January 1986 to December 1987, 32 patients with recurrent colorectal cancer had second-look radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS system). All patients had pathologic confirmation of recurrence. The RIGS system identified 81% of recurrences, and in six patients recurrent tumor was identified only by RIGS. All patients had physical examination, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay, and computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis. Detection of recurrence was based on symptoms in six, elevated CEA value in 25, and physical examination in one. The CEA was elevated preoperatively in 30 patients; two false-negative results occurred in symptomatic patients who had pelvic recurrence. The median CEA value in those with liver recurrence was 30 ng/ml (range 5.2 to 298) and for pelvic recurrence 13 ng/ml (range 1.9 to 31) (P less than .05). The overall sensitivity of CT was 41% (abdomen other than liver 37%, liver 56%, and pelvis 22%). The combination of elevated CEA, symptoms, and physical findings identified 100% of recurrences. We conclude that a rising CEA remains the most accurate indicator of recurrence. CT should not be done routinely to detect recurrent colorectal cancer unless CEA is elevated or the patient is symptomatic. In our study the intraoperative use of the RIGS system aided the surgeon in identifying occult tumors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Physical examination of swine.

Swine may be examined to evaluate a disease state or a lowered economic performance or as a herd health consultation. As much of the examination as possible should be performed without handling the animal. A thorough history, evaluation of herd records, environmental examination, and herd examination should be performed prior to the evaluation of an individual animal. All necessary equipment should be available when starting the individual examination. The animals is then restrained and examined, and necessary samples are taken. Post-mortem examinations or slaughter house evaluations are a very frequent part of a health examination on swine. All samples taken should be in accordance with the standards of the laboratory that you use. You should work closely with the laboratory to obtain the best results. Physical examination of swine can be rewarding for the veterinarian as well as the producer. The most important aspect to remember is to have enough information and the proper equipment available to handle the animals for the minimal amount of time to gain the maximum benefits. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are similar to domestic swine in terms of their diseases and health but are dissimilar in management; pot-bellied pigs are frequently brought to the veterinarian for individual examinations. History is the most valuable part of the examination, followed by observation. Pot-bellied pigs prefer to be held securely with a hand under the chin and rump. The examination is conducted similarly to the examination of any companion animal. Chemical restraint often is necessary for sampling or minor surgical procedures. Owners should be consulted prior to the use of any restraint. This will help win their approval and confidence when working on their pets. While performing the physical examination, look at the pig's overall health as well as specific breed characteristics. Try to stay abreast of swine vaccination recommendations; you may be consulted in this regard. Most importantly, never forget even though they are pigs, pot-bellied pigs are companion animals and should be handled as such.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Reliability of physical examination items used for classification of patients with low back pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the interrater reliability of measurements obtained by examiners administering tests proposed to be important for classifying low back pain (LBP) problems. SUBJECTS: Ninety-five subjects with LBP (41 men, 54 women) and 43 subjects without LBP (17 men, 26 women) were examined by 5 therapists trained in the techniques used. METHODS: A manual was developed by the first author that described the clinical examination procedures. The therapists were trained by the first author in the test procedures and definitions. The training included instruction through videotapes, practice and a written examination. Each examination was conducted by a pair of therapists. Within a pair, a therapist was the primary examiner for half of the subjects and an observer was the primary examiner for half of the subjects. Examination findings were recorded independently, without discussion. RESULTS: Percentage of agreement and generalized kappa coefficients were used to analyzed the data. Kappa values were > or = .75 for all 28 items related to the symptoms elicited and > or = .40 for 72% of the 25 items related to alignment and movement. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The results suggest that experienced therapist who had trained together were able to agree on the results of examinations and obtain an acceptable level of reliability. Future work should focus on testing of reliability when more than one therapist performs the examination and when therapist not trained by the test developer to administer the examination perform the tests. [Van Dillen LR, Sahrmann SA, Norton BJ, et al. Reliability of physical examination items used for classification of patients with low back pain.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Caretaker recognition of respiratory signs in children: correlation with physical examination findings, x-ray diagnosis and pulse oximetry.

Caretaker recognition of clinical utility of respiratory signs and symptoms in the prediction of pneumonia was examined in a prospective study of infants and children in four cities in Egypt. In all 688 children aged 2 months-5 years presenting with a history and/or physical examination findings of cough and difficult or fast breathing were recruited from out-patient health facilities. The validity of caretaker terms was determined using paediatrician observation of standard respiratory signs and symptoms, x-ray diagnosis and pulse oximetry as standards. The sensitivity of 'nahagan' (Egyptian Arabic for fast breathing) for identifying elevated respiratory rate was 78% +/- 4, and was slightly higher for < 12 month olds (85% +/- 5) versus children aged 1-5 years (74% +/- 5). 'Sedro tale nazel', which describes the chest as moving up and down, was a sensitive (86% +/- 3) and specific (60% +/- 4) indicator of chest indrawing. 'Tazyeek' (wheeze) had a sensitivity of 75% +/- 3 and specificity of 66% +/- 4 when compared to paediatrician assessment of wheezing during physical examination. Although not specific, the caretaker terms, 'nahagan' or 'nafas seria' (fast breathing) and 'sedro tale nazel' (chest indrawing), either spontaneously or after asking, were sensitive (> 71%) indicators of radiologic pneumonia and oxygen desaturation, and therefore can be used to prompt timely health seeking behaviour in these settings.

Caregivers↗
PubMed1995

Color Doppler ultrasound used for screening varicocele: the clinical significance as compared to physical examination.

The Acuson 128 XP color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) unit has been applied to cases of infertility in the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital infertility clinic since November 1992. Seventy-four infertile males (group I) and 82 fertile cases (group II) with clinical obvious varicocele (detected by physical examination) were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. Subclinical varicocele (27%) may account for large group of the infertile men. It occurs almost bilaterally and can only be detected by CDUS. On the contrary, 26.8% of the cases with clinical obvious varicocele can be objectively ruled out by CDUS. Color Doppler ultrasound proved to be an easy, effective, convenient and noninvasive instrument for determining subclinical varicocele. It also helped to avoid unnecessary varicocelectomy in cases as judged by physical examination alone.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Physical examinations and laboratory tests in antenatal care visits in Denmark. Do reported practice and current official guidelines concord with results of literature reviews? A nationwide study of the public scheme of shared antenatal care in general practice, centres of midwifery and hospital outpatients' clinics.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse physical examinations and laboratory tests reported in antenatal care visits in relation to official guidelines and reviews of appropriateness. DESIGN: A nationwide cross sectional study based on questionnaires completed by general practitioners (GPs), midwives, and hospital doctors. Physical examinations and laboratory tests in connection with one specific visit were reported. SUBJECTS: The questionnaires were completed by 722 GPs (61% of eligible from a random sample), 584 midwives (86% of eligible), 250 hospital doctors who made health examinations in pregnancy, week 16-18 (63% of eligible), and 181 hospital doctors who saw women with at-risk pregnancies (55% of eligible). RESULTS: General practice: weight, blood pressure (BP) measurement, and test for proteinuria were reported in more than 90% of visits. Urine culture was reported in 46%, and cervical smear in 41% of first visits. Rubella antibody test at the first visit was only reported in 23% of nulliparae. Vaginal examination was reported in 95% of first visits. Fewer were reported in second (27%) and third (48%) routine visits during pregnancy. Midwives: checks of BP, oedema, and proteinuria were reported in more than 95% of visits irrespective of week of gestation. Vaginal examination was reported in about a third of checkups. Hospitals: vaginal examination was reported in 66% of checkups in at-risk pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: A surplus of resources were spent on (repeat) examinations and tests with little or no documented benefit. Cervical cytology was grossly overused. Urine culture and rubella serology were not sufficiently applied.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗
PubMed1999

The efficacy of serial physical examination in penetrating abdominal trauma.

Over a 10-year period we reviewed the records of 370 consecutive patients with potentially penetrating abdominal wounds (48 gunshot and 322 stab wounds). Selective non-operative management for abdominal stab wounds was introduced, guided by serial physical examination. In our study the terms therapeutic and non-therapeutic laparotomies were used, the latter comprising negative as well as insignificant findings. Initially diagnostic peritoneal lavage and local wound exploration were used, but these methods were later abandoned. Mortality was 10.2% and morbidity 25% in the group of gunshot wounds and 1.2% and 8.6% in the group of stab wounds. During this period the rate of laparotomies for stab wounds decreased from 55% to 30%, while the rate of non-therapeutic laparotomies decreased from 24% to 0% in the last year. Delayed laparotomy did not cause death or increase morbidity. Our results support the concept of selective non-operative management of abdominal stab wounds using repeated physical examination. Peritoneal perforation and haemoperitoneum should not be an indication for routine laparotomy.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed2004

The interexaminer reproducibility of physical examination of the cervical spine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the interexaminer reproducibility of physical examination of the cervical spine. METHODS: Two physiotherapists independently judged the general mobility and the intersegmental mobility (segments C0-T2) of the neck and the pain that was provoked. Percentage agreement and Cohen's kappa expressed agreement of dichotomous variables; limits of agreement expressed agreement of continuous variables; and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) expressed the reliability of continuous variables. RESULTS: Agreement for general mobility showed kappa between 0.05 and 0.61, and for the intersegmental mobility, it showed kappa values between -0.09 and 0.63. Agreement for provoked neck pain within 1 point of an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) varied between 46.9% and 65.7% for general mobility and between 40.7% and 75.0% for intersegmental mobility. The ICCs varied between 0.36 and 0.71 for general mobility and between 0.22 and 0.80 for intersegmental mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the use of a standardized protocol to assess general mobility and intersegmental mobility of the cervical spine, it is difficult to achieve reasonable agreement and reliability between 2 examiners. Likewise, the patients are not able to score the same level of provoked pain in 2 assessments with an interval of 15 minutes.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Gallium67 scanning compared with physical examination in the preoperative staging of malignant melanoma.

Sixty patients with Stage II malignant melanoma were evaluated in order to compare preoperative gallium67 total body scan, physical examination findings, and ultimate histologic findings in regard to the site of the primary lesion and status of the regional lymph nodes. Physical examination was a more efficient and a more sensitive method of evaluation compared to gallium67 scanning in these patients when assessing nodal involvement.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Teaching physical examination of the adult liver with use of real-time sonography.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors developed and evaluated an approach to teaching examination of the liver that incorporates real-time ultrasound (US) imaging as immediate feedback to improve diagnostic accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Second-year medical students participating in a course in physical examination were assigned to receive instruction in measuring liver span without (group 1) or with (group 2) real-time sonography. Students from each group attended a practice session given by one of two physicians who were board certified in radiology and internal medicine with special expertise in US. During the practice session for group 2, students were shown the boundaries of the liver of the practice patient with real-time US. Both groups of students then made three measurements each of the liver span of a healthy practice patient and a single healthy test patient without US. The vertical liver span reference standard was determined by one of the authors. RESULTS: Students in group 2 showed greater accuracy in measuring liver span during both the practice and the test sessions than did students in group 1. The differences were significant for the third practice measurement and all three test measurements (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The use of real-time US as an aid in teaching physical examination improves students' accuracy in measuring liver size.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Clinical effectiveness of the physical examination in diagnosis of posterior pelvic ring injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if physical examination (PE) of the posterior pelvis in awake and alert trauma patients with known pelvic ring injuries can accurately predict a potentially unstable posterior ring injury and guide the use of computed tomography (CT) more effectively. DESIGN: Patients with pelvic fracture noted on anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs were prospectively evaluated over a 21-month period. AP, inlet, and outlet radiographs as well as CT scans were obtained on all patients. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Patients were excluded who had a Glasgow Coma Scale score less than or equal to 12, were unable to cooperate with a PE, were 12 years old or younger, or had concomitant acetabular fracture. INTERVENTION: A focused PE protocol with emphasis on the posterior pelvis, including posterior palpation of the sacrum and sacroiliac joint, AP and lateral iliac wing compression, active hip range of motion, and a digital rectal examination. If an individual PE parameter resulted in tenderness, it was considered positive. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The 4 PE modalities were compared with CT scan results using sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, likelihood ratio, and McNemar's test for discordant pairs. RESULTS: The study group included 66 patients. Of patients, 49 (74%) had posterior pelvic injury diagnosed by CT scan. Of the patients with positive posterior CT scan findings, 48 (98%) had pain with posterior palpation. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.98 and 0.94, and the likelihood ratio was 16.3. CONCLUSIONS: PE, specifically palpation of the posterior pelvis, in patients with pelvic fractures can accurately detect injuries of the posterior ring.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Is routine preoperative ultrasonographic mapping for arteriovenous fistula creation necessary in patients with favorable physical examination findings? Results of a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative ultrasonographic mapping (PUSM) is widely used for arteriovenous fistula creation in end-stage renal disease patients, and some authors even advocate that it be used routinely. To date, however, there are no prospective randomized data to support this suggestion. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study compared PUSM and physical examination in relation to short-term outcome after AVF creation. Data sets from 70 hemodialysis patients who were deemed eligible for AVF surgery-according to specific physical examination (PE) criteria for vessel anatomy-were analyzed. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the PE group, no other investigation was performed, and the patient underwent AVF creation. The other patients (M group) underwent PUSM, and the AVF was created according to the mapping results. Early AVF success was defined as clinical detection of thrill (immediately and on postoperative day 1). Ultrasonographic parameters were recorded on the first postoperative day and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The need for intervention and intervention-free AVF survival and cumulative AVF survival were also noted. RESULTS: The PE and M groups showed similar rates of early AVF success: immediate thrill, PE 24/35 (68.6%) vs. M 26/33 (78.8%), P=0.340; postoperative day 1, PE 20/34 (58.8%) vs. M 24/32 (75%), P=0.164. The groups' results for ultrasonographic parameters of AVF function were also similar on postoperative day 1 and at 1 month after surgery. The groups had similar intervention-free AVF survival (P=0.770) and cumulative AVF survival as well (P=0.916). After an average follow-up of 217.7+/-239.7 days, the two groups also had similar proportions of patent AVFs: 23/35 (65.7%) vs. 23/35 (65.7%) for PE vs. M, respectively; P=1.0). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that PUSM offers no advantage over PE with regard to AVF function in patients with favorable forearm anatomy. The authors do not advocate routine use of PUSM in patients with favorable PE findings scheduled for forearm AVF creation.

Arm↗
PubMed1999

What do we know about the reliability and validity of physical examination tests used to examine the upper extremity?

The literature regarding the reliability and validity of commonly used clinical tests for disorders of the upper extremity was reviewed. Formal literature search, standard texts, and experts in the field of upper extremity were consulted to locate relevant articles. Range of motion and strength testing of the upper limb have been shown to be reliable, while various tests used for the diagnosis of conditions in the upper limb, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff tendinopathy, have been shown to have varying degrees of validity. Overall, however, we determined that there is little evidence regarding the reliability and validity of physical examination for the upper extremity and specifically less information available regarding the reliability of diagnostic physical examination tests and the validity of impairment measures used for the upper limb. Further studies in this area are warranted in view of the impact of these findings on the treatment of patients.

Arm↗
PubMed1995

Can practicing physicians improve their counseling and physical examination skills in breast cancer screening? A feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To improve breast cancer screening skills, practicing non-academic primary care physicians were offered an opportunity to participate in a one-hour private skills-assessment session with a patient instructor. Research questions included: would physicians in non-academic practice be interested in a skills course; would the course improve their skills in breast examination and/or in counseling for mammography; and if they did improve, would the effect endure? DESIGN: Pilot study with cohort follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Physicians were offered an opportunity to have their counseling and physical examination skills evaluated in a one-on-one interaction with standardized patients. The protocol included patient instructors who were trained to use a uniform breast health history that emphasized their increased risk of breast cancer, scant knowledge of breast-cancer screening, and fear of medical tests and cancer. The standardized patients were trained using a 77-point checklist. They demonstrated a high degree of consistency and reproducibility. A critical part of the learning experience was immediate feedback to the physicians regarding their performances. Physicians who took the course were given an opportunity to repeat it approximately 18 months later. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 82 primary care physicians in the community, 49 (60%) were eligible to have their skills evaluated. Of these, 38 (77.6%) participated in the intervention. Baseline skills had mean scores (correct responses) better than 50% in most aspects of the physical examination but less than 35% in several critical counseling areas: reviewing mechanics of getting mammography, actually recommending mammography, and directing the patient regarding scheduling. Of the 38 physicians, 15 repeated the course. There was a significant improvement in their overall performance: 49% vs 67% (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians in a non-academic practice are interested in reviewing and improving their counseling skills. They are capable of improving their skills after receiving background information, instruction, and brief feedback. They maintain these improvements over time.

Breast Neoplasms↗