Introduction:

• wash your hands
• approach politely and introduce yourself
• patient’s name & DOB
• always ask for a chaperone if appropriate
• explain to patient what you are going to do & obtain verbal consent
• expose patient after asking

 

Examination of the Musculo-skeletal system:

Examination steps:

1. inspection: joints are 3-dimensional so examine each from the front, side & back
2. palpation
3. range of movement: assess movement both actively & passively, also some joints/muscles have special tests
4. neurological
5. function

Once you have examined the effected joint/area, say “to complete this exam I would…..” (you may be asked to perform one of these steps):

• assess the joint above & below the effected region
• examine the opposite joint/area for comparison
• assess neurovascular status (if not already done)
• perform an X-ray of the area &/or suggest relevant further imaging

 

Areas one needs to examine:

Hand & Wrist

Elbow

Shoulder

The Spine

Hip & Pelvis

Knee

Foot & Ankle

Gait