Clinical Examination

After a detailed patient history is obtained, a careful physical examination of the upper extremity is essential in order to make a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. Despite the ever-expanding technology available for patient imaging, the physical examination is key to the appropriate assessment and treatment of these patients.

In this video chapter (Video 3.1), the techniques of physical examination are highlighted; these include manual muscle testing, sensory testing, and provocative maneuvers that can help to define upper extremity pathology. A complete examination should be performed on each patient to optimize clinical decision-making.