How to perform an orthopaedic exam Flashcards
Where would you start your orthopaedic exam?
Start with forelimb muscles at shoulder and work down the leg
What needs to be checked around scapula?
Start at scapula - check for atrophy of scapular muscles, biceps + triceps comparing both limbs
What needs to be checked around elbow and lower?
lateral epicondyle - check for effusion.
Check extensor muscles + flexors down to the carpus for atrophy.
What is checked in the carpus?
Check for effusion
What is checked in the foot?
Pads, digits checked for abnormalities / foreign bodies / inflammation.
What is checked with joints?
Flex + extend all joints to check for full range of movement
*Check for lateral + medial instability
What needs to be done with shoulder?
Abduction + Adduction
What is checked first in the hindlimb?
Check gluteals, quadriceps + hamstrings for symmetry and atrophy
Whats checked in the stifle?
Patella
Patellar tendon - check for joint effusion
Tibial tuberosity
What should be palpated below the stifle
Cranialis tibialis + peroneus muscles palpated
Whats checked after the muscles?
*Lateral malleolus + calcaneous identified + checked for effusion
*Foot then assesed same as forelimb
What is checked with the achilles?
*With intact achilles - hock should only be able to flex up to 135 *
What is checked with the tibia?
Check for swelling + pain
What should be checked with the hip?
Hip = fully flexed, extended, internally rotated, externally rotated, abducted + adducted
How is the tail assessed?
Should be able to bend over and touch the back at the midline + either side
- good assessment for lumbosacral pain
