Method Of Exam
Author: A. Chandrasekhar, MD |
Consultant: M. Kelly, MD |
Inspect the muscles of the hip, knee and ankle.
- Note muscle size (bulk).
- Look for asymmetry, atrophy and fasciculation.
- Look for abnormal movement.
- Determine muscle power by gently trying to overpower contraction of each group of muscles.
- Hip: Flexion (Iliopsoas), Extension (Gluteus maximus), Abduction, Adduction.
- Knee : Flexion (Hamstrings), Extension (Quadriceps)
- Ankle : Dorsiflexion (Tibialis anterior), Plantar flexion (Gastronemius).
- Determine limb tone (resistance to passive stretch). With the patient relaxed, gently move the limb at the hip, knee and ankle and note whether tone is normal, increased or dicreased.
- Flex the hip and knee. Support the knee, dorsiflex the ankle sharply and hold the foot in this position checking for clonus.