Following a good history, the musculoskeletal examination of the athlete should begin with an analysis of which of the following?

Following a good history, the musculoskeletal examination of the athlete should begin with an analysis of which of the following?

• A. Gait
• B. Range of motion
• C. Joint alignment
• D. Palpation

Answer: (A)

Gait analysis provides a quick, functional snapshot of how the athlete’s musculoskeletal system is working during weight-bearing and movement. By watching how someone walks, the examiner can pick up clues about multiple joints and regions—hips, knees, ankles, and the spine—as well as overall neuromuscular control, balance, and symmetry. This dynamic view often reveals problems that static tests miss, such as an antalgic limp, asymmetric step length, pelvic drop or tilt, knee valgus or varus during stance, toeing-in or toeing-out, or compensatory trunk movements. Identifying these patterns early helps target where to focus the rest of the examination, guiding decisions on which joints to test for range of motion, how to assess alignment, and where palpation might be most informative. ROM and joint alignment are important, but they can be influenced by pain, guarding, or patient effort, and palpation is most meaningful after establishing a functional baseline with gait. Starting with gait thus provides the most efficient, global view of function to direct the subsequent, more localized parts of the exam.

Gait analysis provides a quick, functional snapshot of how the athlete’s musculoskeletal system is working during weight-bearing and movement. By watching how someone walks, the examiner can pick up clues about multiple joints and regions—hips, knees, ankles, and the spine—as well as overall neuromuscular control, balance, and symmetry. This dynamic view often reveals problems that static tests miss, such as an antalgic limp, asymmetric step length, pelvic drop or tilt, knee valgus or varus during stance, toeing-in or toeing-out, or compensatory trunk movements. Identifying these patterns early helps target where to focus the rest of the examination, guiding decisions on which joints to test for range of motion, how to assess alignment, and where palpation might be most informative. ROM and joint alignment are important, but they can be influenced by pain, guarding, or patient effort, and palpation is most meaningful after establishing a functional baseline with gait. Starting with gait thus provides the most efficient, global view of function to direct the subsequent, more localized parts of the exam.