Hip

Question 1

what are you looking for when the patient is standing

Answer 1

quadriceps, hamstring and gluteal muscle mass

Question 2

what are you looking for when the patient is lying on the couch

Answer 2

erythema
skin changes
swelling
bruises
scars
attitude of limb

Question 3

what are you looking for in the patients gait

Answer 3

pace
symmetry
walking aids
gross gait abnormalities - antalgic, stiff, trendelenburg

Question 4

what areas do you feel for in a hip examination

Answer 4

greater trochanter
the deep joint in the goring area - mid-point and medially

Question 5

what movements are involved in the hip examination

Answer 5

flexion
internal rotation
external rotation
abduction
adduction

Question 6

what are the special tests for the hip

Answer 6

trendelenburg test
limb lengths
thomas’ test

Question 7

explain trendelenburg’s test

Answer 7

with patient standing get the patient to stand on one hip and then stand on the opposite leg
watch the pelvis

Question 8

what is tested in trendelenburg’s test

Answer 8

abductor power

Question 9

what is true limb length and apparent limb length

Answer 9

true limb length = ASIS to medial malleolus
apparent limb length = xiphisternum to medial malleolus

Question 10

explain thomas’ test

Answer 10

with the patient lying on their back place your hand under the midline of their lower back and ask them to raise one of their legs
observe if the opposite leg remains flat on the bed and feel the space under their back disappear

Question 11

what does thomas’ test look for

Answer 11

fixed flexion deformity of the hip