Brief Musculoskeletal Exam

Aka: Brief Musculoskeletal Exam, Musculoskeletal Exam

II. Indications

  1. Sports Physical

III. Precautions

  1. Injury exam mantra
    1. Examine the "joint above, joint below, circulation, motor function and sensation, skin and compartments"

IV. Exam: Cervical Spine range of motion

  1. See Neck Exam
  2. Patient looks at Ceiling (extension)
  3. Patient looks at Floor (flexion)
  4. Patient looks over each Shoulder (rotation)
  5. Patient touches ears to each Shoulder (abduction)

V. Exam: Shoulders

  1. See Shoulder Exam
  2. Observe Acromioclavicular joints for deformity
  3. Strength Testing (perform against resistance)
    1. Shrug Shoulders (Trapezius strength)
    2. Abduct Shoulders to 90 degrees (Deltoid strength)
  4. Range of Motion
    1. Scratch back with each hand from over the Shoulder
      1. External rotation and abduction
    2. Scratch back with each hand from under the Shoulder
      1. Internal rotation and adduction

VI. Exam: Upper Extremity

  1. See Elbow Exam
  2. See Hand Exam
  3. See Wrist Exam
  4. Flex and extend elbows
  5. Pronate and supinate wrists
    1. Hold arms at sides with elbows flexed to 90 degrees
  6. Spread fingers
  7. Make a fist

VII. Exam: Lower Extremity

  1. See Hip Exam
  2. See Knee Exam
  3. See Ankle Exam
  4. Contract and relax quadriceps
    1. Observe for Symmetry
  5. Observe for Knee Effusion
  6. Observe for ankle effusion
  7. Duck walk for 4 steps away from examiner
    1. Buttocks on heels
    2. Tests hip, knee, and Ankle Range of Motion

VIII. Exam: Thoracic and Lumbar Back and related exam

  1. See Low Back Exam
  2. Shoulder symmetry
  3. Touch toes (keep knees straight)
    1. Scoliosis
    2. Hip motion
    3. Hamstring tightness
  4. Raise up on toes, raise up on heels
    1. Calf strength
    2. Leg strength

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