Unit 10: Musculoskeletal

Flexion

bending a limb at a joint

Extension

Straightening a limb at a joint

Abduction

moving a limb away from the midline of the body

Adduction

moving a limb toward the midline of the body

Pronation

turning the forearm so that the palm is down

Supination

turning the forearm so that the palm is up

Circumduction

moving the arm in a circle around the shoulder

Inversion

moving the sole of the foot inward at the ankle

Eversion

moving the sole of the foot outward at the ankle

Rotation

moving the head around a central axis

Protraction

moving a body part forward and parallel to the ground

Retraction

moving a body part backward and parallel to the ground

Elevation

raising a body part

Depression

lowering a body part

Arthralgia

Joint pain reported by the patient

Myalgia

Muscle pain.

Back pain

Pain in cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions.

Stiffness

Difficulty moving joints, especially after rest.

Swelling

Patient reports joint enlargement

Weakness

Feeling of reduced strength.

Functional limitation

Difficulty performing ADLs (walking, dressing, lifting).

Crepitation

Patient reports crackling or grinding sensation.

Inspection

Visual observation of joints, muscles, and posture.

Palpation

Using hands to assess tenderness, warmth, swelling.

Active ROM

Patient moves joint independently

Passive ROM

Examiner moves joint for patient.

Normal ROM

Full, smooth, painless movement.

Symmetry

Joints and muscles appear equal bilaterally.

Muscle bulk

Size and contour of muscles.

Deformity

Abnormal shape or alignment of joint.

Posture

Alignment of head, spine, and extremities.

Tenderness

Pain when touched

Warmth

Increased temperature (inflammation).

Effusion

Fluid in joint.

Nodule

Small firm lump (often in RA).

Fasciculations

Involuntary muscle twitching.

Kyphosis

Increased thoracic curvature.

Lordosis

Increased lumbar curvature.

Scoliosis

Lateral curvature.

Gait

Pattern of walking.

Phalen test

Wrist flexion causes tingling (carpal tunnel).

Tinel sign

Tapping nerve causes tingling.

Bulge sign

Small effusion detection

Ballottement

Large effusion detection.

McMurray test

Meniscus tear.

Straight leg raise

Sciatic nerve irritation test.

Arthritis

Joint inflammation

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Autoimmune joint inflammation.

Gout

Uric acid crystal buildup.

Ankylosis

Joint stiffness/immobility

Contracture

Permanent joint fixation.

Dislocation

Joint displacement.

Fracture

Bone break.

Sprain

Ligament injury.

Strain

Muscle/tendon injury.

Osteoporosis

Fragile bones.