Clinical examination of orthopedic pt:-

The examination actually begins

from the moment we set eyes on

patient. We observe his or her

general appearance, posture and

gait. When we proceed to the

structured examination, the patient

must be suitably undressed, if one

limb is affected both limbs must be

1- look (inspection):-

1.Skin:- Rash, discoloration, abrasions.2.Soft tissues:- vessels, nerves, other

e.g. muscles, tendons, ligaments, fat, fascia, lymph nodes.

3.Bone and joint including synovial and ligaments.

2-feel (palpation):-

1- skin:-warm or cold?2-soft tissue:-lump?3-bone and joint:-outlines, excessive fluid in joint?4- tenderness.

3- move:-1-active movement:-ask pt to move the joint and test for power.2-passive movement:-examiner who moves the joint in each anatomical plane.

*Joint movement:-1-Flexion/extension

(These are movements in the sagittal plane for e.g. knee elbow and ankle joints of toes).

2-Abduction/adduction(These are movements in the coronal plane, towards or

away from the midline)

3-Internal/external rotation(These are rotational movement around the

longitudinal axis).

4-Pronation/ supination(There are also rotatory movement they are applied

only to movement of forearm and foot)

5-Circumduction(This is a composite movement. It is possible only for

ball and socket joints e.g. hip and shoulder)