Clinical History and Examination - Essential Facts

Question 1

In a trauma situation what is the purpose a good history and systematic examination?

Answer 1

A diagnosis of a musculoskeletal condition can usually be made from a good history and a systematic examination of joints, spine and limbs.

Question 2

What is the purpose of examining adjacent joints to the ones under consideration?

Answer 2

The proximal and adjacent joints to the joint under consideration need to be included in the examination, because pain in one joint may be referred from pathology in other joints

Question 3

What are general red flag symptoms to consider?

Answer 3

Red flag symptoms include: pain preventing sleep; loss of appetite; loss of weight; temporal headache and blurred vision; loss of bladder/bowel control; and rapidly progressive symptoms.

Question 4

What are general red flag signs to consider?

Answer 4

Red flag signs include: ‘drawn’ facial appearance; saddle anaesthesia; bilateral limb neurology; upper motor neurone signs; painful swelling; fever >38°C; inability to weight-bear; or a red, hot joint