Physical Examination

Abstract

The physical examination of the musculoskeletal patient demands that the clinician direct attention not only to the principal site of involvement but also to the remaining components of the musculoskeletal system, and to those areas in which extra-articular features of specific diseases may be manifest. In addition, a general examination of other systems is required, in order to achieve a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s health status. As with the last chapter, strategy will take precedence over an elaborate description of technique, details of which can be found in most standard texts on physical examination. Before describing one method of conducting the examination, a few fundamental points will be made regarding joint assessment.