Lower Limb Examination

Principles of Joint Examination

Inspection LooK

Palpation Feel

Active motion Move

Passive motion

Resisted movements

Special tests

Examination of the Hip

LOOK

Inspection usually unhelpful - but do it anyways

Patient Standing

Pelvic tilt

Iliopsoas bursa

Muscle Wasting

Patient lying Supine

Scars

Lower limb length discrepancy

Flexion deformity of hip

FEEL

Palpation

MOVE

Flexion

Thomas's Test

Internal and External Rotation

Trendelenberg Test

Adbuction and Adduction

FUNCTION

Examination of the Knee

Inspection
LOOK

Palpation
FEEL

Active Motion

Passive Motion

Special Tests

Symmetry and Alignement

Deformity

Scars

Quad muscle bulk

Swelling / heat / colour change

Psoriasis

Temp

Tenderness

Effusion

Patellofemoral crepitus / grind

MOVE

Flexion 135 degree

Extention
Hyperextention 10 degree

Compare sides

Feel for crepitus movement

Anterior / Posterior Cruciate ligamnt stability

ANterior Drawer Sign - ACL tear

Posterior Drawr sign (PCL tear)

Medial / Lateral Collateral Ligament Stability

Stress each side of knee

image


Hip


Knee