Checklist for Musculoskeletal examination
S.no. Components Remark
yes no
1 Wash your hands and done PPE if appropriate
2 Introduce yourself to the patient
3. Ask the patients name
4 Briefly explain what the examination will be
5 Gain consent to proceed
6 Patient positioning is made based on the specific joint we examine some to
mention standing with feet together for spine examination, sitting for most
joints and lying supine for hip and measuring the length of leg
7. Adequately expose of patient joint area we are examining
8. LOOK/inspection Joint symmetry, deformity and
positioning
Swelling, nodule
Muscle atrophy and fasciculation
Underlying skin Color
change/alteration
9 Feel /palpation Bony landmarks and contours
Mass(Site, size, Shape, Surface
Consistency, Edge,
Tenderness ,Mobility, Relation to
under or overlying structures ,
Other associated abnormalities)
Tenderness
Muscle bulk
Warmth
Crepitus
Leg length discrepancy
10 Move Active in all joint area*
Passive in all joint area*
Maneuvers of stability and function
Neuro vasculature Examination
11 Explain that the examination is complete to the patient
12 Thank the patient for their time
13 Dispose of PPE appropriately
14 Summarize your finding(reporting of finding)
15 Suggest further assessments and investigation e.g. x-ray, MRI
*Temporomandibular joint, Shoulder joint, Elbow, Wrist and hand joint, Spine, Hip , Knee, Ankle and
foot joint
S.no. Components Remark
yes no
1 Wash your hands and done PPE if appropriate
2 Introduce yourself to the patient
3. Ask the patients name
4 Briefly explain what the examination will be
5 Gain consent to proceed
6 Patient positioning is made based on the specific joint we examine some to
mention standing with feet together for spine examination, sitting for most
joints and lying supine for hip and measuring the length of leg
7. Adequately expose of patient joint area we are examining
8. LOOK/inspection Joint symmetry, deformity and
positioning
Swelling, nodule
Muscle atrophy and fasciculation
Underlying skin Color
change/alteration
9 Feel /palpation Bony landmarks and contours
Mass(Site, size, Shape, Surface
Consistency, Edge,
Tenderness ,Mobility, Relation to
under or overlying structures ,
Other associated abnormalities)
Tenderness
Muscle bulk
Warmth
Crepitus
Leg length discrepancy
10 Move Active in all joint area*
Passive in all joint area*
Maneuvers of stability and function
Neuro vasculature Examination
11 Explain that the examination is complete to the patient
12 Thank the patient for their time
13 Dispose of PPE appropriately
14 Summarize your finding(reporting of finding)
15 Suggest further assessments and investigation e.g. x-ray, MRI
*Temporomandibular joint, Shoulder joint, Elbow, Wrist and hand joint, Spine, Hip , Knee, Ankle and
foot joint
