- Expose the Joint and the muscles acting on It.
- Observe and note any deformity, swelling or muscle atrophy.
- Palpate the Joint for synovial thickening, warmth, points of tenderness and any abnormal masses.
- Elicit fluid thrill if swelling is present.
- Assess passive and active range of Joint movement.
- Palpate during movement to elicit Joint crepitus.
- Test the ligaments that stabilise the Joint.
- Compare the two sides.
Fluid thrill indicates effusion while a 'boggy feel"
without a fluid thrill indicates synovial thickening. At times both may be
present.
This is important for those students preparing for USMLE and MRCP
