Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes

General tipsElbowHip
Ensure you coverShoulderKnee
Joint examinationsNeckAnkle and foot
Hand and wristBackGALS

Infographic Library (free pdf downloads)

General Tips

Like all previous stations use your standard opening and closing scripts

Ensure you mention: privacy; appropriate exposure; analgesia and a chaperone

Ensure you cover

Brief history
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Hand dominance
  • Occupation/recreational activities
  • Tetanus status
Approach
  • Gait
  • Inspection: need to examine both sides; obvious deformity; swelling; erythema; scars
  • Palpation: warmth; effusion
  • Movement: active; passive; resisted 
  • Special tests: see below
  • Neuro/vascular assessment: sensation; power; pulses; capillary refill

Joint examinations

Hand and Wrist

Elbow

Shoulder

Neck and Spine

Back

Hip

Knee

Ankle and foot

Gait/Arms/Legs/Spinal (GALS) Assessment