GALS examination

Question 1

What does GALS stand for?

Answer 1

• Gait
• Arms
• Legs
• Spine

Question 2

What is a GALS examination?

Answer 2

Screening assessment for Musculo-skeletal disease
Part of a routine clerking
Simple
If needed, follow up with more targeted regional joint examination

Question 3

Question to ask for GALS?

Answer 3

Do you have any pain or stiffness in your muscles, joints or back?

Can you dress without difficulty?

Can you walk up and down stairs without difficulty?

Question 4

What are the 2 categories that affects GALS?

Answer 4

Appearance and Movement
Movement not affected in Gait

Question 5

What does the table look like for RA?

Answer 5

APPEARANCE MOVEMENT
Gait: Y
Arms: N N
Legs: N N
Spine: Y Y

Question 6

What does swelling over MCPJs bilaterally and bilateral knee effusions mean?

Answer 6

Early RA

Question 7

What does the table look like for AS?

Answer 7

Gait: N
Arms: Y Y
Legs: Y Y
Spine: N N

Question 8

What happens when you have Antalgic (painful) gait. Marked kyphosis. Reduced vertebral movement on forward flexion?