Hand
Hands Examination
Setting up and getting started Look for any walking aids Look around the bed for medications (e.g. artificial tears) Look for any physical aids, e.g. hand grabbers Look for any…
Gait Analysis. Image by University of Salford is marked with CC BY 2.0.
Hip Examination
The hip is another ball and socket joint, but has reduced levels of movement compared to the shoulder. The joint’s main role is weight bearing. Inspection Ask the patient if…
Knee joint
Knee Examination
Introduction Knee examination is an important clinical skill, and knee problems are a common presenting complaint to general practice and emergency departments. Knee examination is also a common OSCE station.…
Image by sandiegopersonalinjuryattorney is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Lower Back Pain
Introduction Lower back pain is a very common presentation to general practice and emergency departments. Lower back pain accounts for at least 5% of all general practice presentations 80% of…
Lumbar spine examination
Lumbar Spine Examination
Lumbar Spine The patient will need to expose the spine. Ask them to remove their clothing for their torso (obviously women can keep underwear on). Look From front – are…
Hypermobility in Marfan Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome
Introduction Marfan Syndrome (sometime Marfan’s Syndrome, MFS) is a genetic (autosomal dominant) connective tissue disorder. Marfan syndrome is the most common connective tissue disorder. It is associated with characteristic malformation…
Lumbar Vertebrae
Mechanical Back Pain
Introduction Mechanical back pain (aka non-specific back pack, sometimes previously termed lumbago) is a term used to describe musculoskeletal lower back pain. It is extremely common, with about 80% of…
Normal joint anatomy
Osteoarthritis – OA
Introduction Osteoarthritis is a condition that results from the loss of cartilage at synovial joints, and is often accompanied by degeneration of the underlying bone. Radiologically there can be visible:…
Polymyalgia Rheumatica – PMR
Introduction Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory condition which causes bilateral pain, typically worse in the morning and associated with morning stiffness, in the shoulder, neck and pelvic girdle.…
Example of widespread psoriasis on a patient's back
Psoriasis
Introduction Psoriasis is a a common chronic inflammatory skin condition, characterised by raised, red, itchy, scaly plaques on the skin. With treatment, it often follows a relapsing and remitting course,…