Clinical skills: GALS examination

Question 1

What is examined in GALS?

Answer 1

Gait
Arms
Legs
Spine

Question 2

What is noted under Gait?

Answer 2

1. gait symmetry, smoothness and turning
2. Shoulders, gluts, quadriceps and calves for bulk and symmetry
3. alignment of limbs and spine
4. are iliac crest levels equal?
5. can you exttend elbows and knees fully?
6. scoliosed spine? abnormal kiphosis or lordosis?
7. arch of the foot, clawing of toes, hallux valgus

Question 3

What is examined in Arms?

Answer 3

1. place hands behind head

2. rheumatological hand exam

Question 4

What is examined in Legs?

Answer 4

1. assess flexion/extension - feel for crepitus
2. internal rotation of hips (knees at 90o)
3. patellar tap / medial gutter sweep
4. feet: squeeze Metatarsophalyngeal joints

Question 5

What is examined in Spine?

Answer 5

1. Lateral flexion of neck

2. Lumbar spine flexion - place fingers on vertebrae