Physical examination of orthopaedic Taiz University , faculty of medicine and health sciences by Dr : Ruba Alathwri

1. 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

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. *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)