SPECIALTY GUIDE: ORTHOPEDICS & TRAUMA · AAOS & Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice Compliant
Orthopedic Examination Note: Joint Range of Motion, Special Tests & Trauma
Key Clinical Takeaways
- Systematic examination order: Look (inspection/alignment), Feel (effusion/palpation), Move (active/passive ROM), and Special ligamentous tests.
- Distal neurovascular competency (peripheral pulses, motor power, sensory distribution) must be documented in all trauma evaluations.
- ClinIQ supports Ottawa Ankle and Knee rule calculators to reduce unnecessary radiation imaging.
1. Four Pillars of Musculoskeletal Examination
Orthopedic clinical documentation requires objective range of motion degrees, motor scoring via the MRC scale (0-5), and validated joint-specific stress tests.
Frequently Asked Clinical Questions
Q: What is the most sensitive physical exam test for an ACL tear?
The Lachman test is the most sensitive test, superior to the anterior drawer test in the acute setting.
Clinical Guidelines & References
- AAOS Clinical Practice Guidelines on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury, 2022.