Lecture 2 - Part 2 (Observations)

Question 1

what is the purpose of observations

Answer 1

visible defects
functional deficits
abnormalities of alignment

Question 2

What questions should you attempt to answer via observation?

Answer 2

1. What is the normal body alignment?
2. Is there any obvious deformity?
   
   • Structural
   • Functional
3. Are the bony contours of the body normal and symmetric, or is there an obvious deviation?
4. Are the soft-tissue contours normal and symmetric?
5. Are the limb positions equal and symmetric?
6. Are the colour and texture of the skin normal?
7. Are there any scars that indicate previous injury?
8. Is there any crepitus, snapping, or abnormal sounds in the joints when the patient moves them?
9. What is the patient’s facial expression?
10. Is the patient willing to move?

Question 3

when should you start observations?

Answer 3

as soon as the patient enters the clinic

Question 4

how should you start your observations?

Answer 4

start general become more focused on the injury site and work either pelvis up or pelvis down injury depending

Question 5

if the patient is able to stand pain free what should you observe?

Answer 5

• Whole posture
• Quadrant with injured site
• Local lesion site
• Palpate
• Gait
• Sport action that causes pain

Question 6

what aspects should you view the patient from?

Answer 6

anterior
posterior
lateral

Question 7

what should you be looking for with anterior observations?

Answer 7

Head
Neck
Shoulders
Sternum
Abdomen
Pelvis
Femur
Tibia
Feet

Question 8

what should you be looking at with posterior observations

Answer 8

Head
Shoulders
Thoracic Spine
Pelvis
Femur
Tibia
Calcaneal position

Question 9

what should you be looking at with regard to side view and proper alignment?

Answer 9

Ear lobe
C2
Tip of Shoulder
Centre of iliac crest
Greater trochanter
Centre of knee
Cuboid

Question 10

what should you be looking at while the patient is standing in lateral view?

Answer 10

Body Lean
Cervical Spine
Shoulder Alignment
Lumbar Curve
Genu Recurvatum
Foot

Question 11

if the patient is unable to stand without pain how should you observe them?

Answer 11

sitting or supine and compare bilaterally

Question 12

list some things that can affect postural position

Answer 12

habits
muscle imbalances
pain
emotional status

Question 13

what are you watching for with regard to gait?

Answer 13

• Limping
• Weakness
• Willingness to move
• Arm swing
• Comfortable position