of Musculoskel etal System
Jan 20, 2015
Examination of
Musculoskeletal System
Assess this system while bathing or positioning
Focus on range of joint motion, muscle strength, tone, joint & muscle condition
Muscular disorders may result from neurological disease
Simultaneous muscular & neurological examination
Visualize : Bone anatomy, muscle placement & joint structure
Assess the degree of mobilityProvide proper position while
examination
Nursing HistoryDetermine involvement in
competitive sportsH/o alcohol or caffeine use,
cigarette smoking, constant dieting
Menopause before age 45, estrogen deficiency
Family H/o osteoporosisChronic diseases
Cont…History of problems in bone,
muscle or joint functionNature and extent of painNormal activity patternHeight loss in women over age
50
Inspection Observe client’s gaitNote: how client walks, sits &
rises from a sitting positionNote foot dragging, limping,
shuffling & position of legs in relation to trunk
Observe client in standing position
Note common postural abnormalities
Cont…Check for kyphosis, lordosis &
scoliosisAssess for signs of osteoporosisExtremities: overall size, gross
deformity, bony enlargement, alignment & symmetry
Palpation Gentle palpation : bones, joints,
surrounding musclesNote heat, tenderness, edema or
resistance to pressureDuring palpation: no discomfort
to clientMuscles should be firm
Terminology FlexionExtensionHyperextension PronationSupinationAbductionAdduction
Internal rotationExternal rotationEversionInversionDorsiflexionPlantar flexion
Range of motionIncludes both active & passive
ROMPut each major joint through
active and passive full ROMDemonstrate and instruct the
client
Cont…Goniometer : measures precise
degree of motion in a particular joint
Muscle tone and strengthCheck for hypertonicity &
hypotonicityIn case of pain: support the
extremitySlight resistance can be thereCompare symmetrical muscle
pairs
Maneuvers to assess muscle strength
Neck (sternocleidomastoid muscle)
Place hand firmly against client’s upper jaw & ask the client to turn the head laterally against resistance
Cont..Shoulder (trapezius)Place hand over midline of client’s shoulder exerting firm pressure. Have the client to raise shoulder against resistance
Cont…Elbow
◦Biceps : pull down on forearm as client attempts to flex arm
◦Triceps : as you flex client’s arm, apply pressure against forearm. Ask client to straighten the arm
Cont..Hip
◦Quadriceps : when client is sitting, apply downward pressure to thigh. Ask client to raise leg up from table
◦Gastrocnemius : client sits, while examiner holds shin of flexed leg. Ask client to straighten leg against resistance
Muscle strength Muscle function level
Grade % Normal Lovett scale
No evidence of contractility
0 0 0(zero)
Slight contractility, no movement
1 10 T(trace)
Full range of motion, gravity eliminated
2 25 P(poor)
Full range of motion with gravity
3 50 F(fair)
Full range of motion against gravity, some resistance
4 75 G(good)
Full range of motion against gravity, full resistance
5 100 N(normal)
THANK YOU..!!