In acute trauma settings, clinicians look for signs of vascular compromise or compartment syndrome: ain (often out of proportion to the injury). P allor (pale skin). P ulselessness. P aresthesia (numbness/tingling). P aralysis. P oikilothermia (inability to regulate temperature). Patient Preparation Patients can assist in the examination by:
: To accurately measure joint range of motion (ROM) in degrees. Tendon Hammer : For assessing deep tendon reflexes. Clinical Orthopaedic Examination
: The examination must include the "joint above and joint below" the primary area of concern to rule out referred pain. In acute trauma settings, clinicians look for signs
To ensure an accurate assessment, clinicians adhere to several fundamental principles: P aresthesia (numbness/tingling)
: Observe the patient as they enter the room, noting their gait, posture, and use of walking aids. Locally, check the joint for scars, swelling, muscle wasting, bruising, or skin color changes.
A clinical orthopaedic examination is a systematic process used to diagnose musculoskeletal disorders by evaluating bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It traditionally follows a structured sequence—often summarized as "Look, Feel, Move"—to identify the source of pain, deformity, or dysfunction.