MSK & orthopaedics · Examination

Aching joints in a dancer

Medium

8 min station · 2 min reading · UWA Year 3

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G H D F

2 min reading · 8 min station · reminders at 1 min

Instructions

You are a medical student on placement in general practice. Your next patient is Imogen Pascoe, 16, a ballet student, presenting with about a year of aching in her joints and muscles.

  1. Examine the patient

  2. Outline to the examiner:

    • Your findings
    • Your most likely diagnosis and differentials
  • You do not need to take a further history; any questions belong within the examination
  • Please verbalise your examination; findings will be provided on request
  • The examiner will ask you one question at the end

History taken by the GP

A year of aching knees, ankles, hips, thighs and calves after class. Three ankle sprains this year. Knees click; right kneecap once slipped and went back. Brief morning stiffness. No joint swelling, fevers, rashes or weight loss. Periods regular. No sudden death or early heart disease in the family.

Practising alone? Ask the examinerFindings appear only when you ask for them

Investigations

Examination