Examination
The
musculoskeletal examination is described in Chapter 20. The key features are to
make sure that the patient’s overall condition is stable by checking their
airway, breathing and circulation before concentrating on the musculoskeletal
injuries. The examination should then be systematic from top to bottom of the
body, with complete exposure and care taken to check the patient’s back as
well as their front. For each limb, be sure to check the distal circulation and
neurogy. Finally, it is important to record these findings.