Key Points:
- How does the patient present themself?
- “Attitude” of the injured part.
- Type of wound(s).
General Observations: Simple observations of the patient on entry to the room provide significant information. These observations may include their attitude, pain severity, posture imbalance, etc. More in-depth observations and evaluation will include the following on examination:
- Scars, open lacerations, and soft tissue injury.
- Signs of motor dysfunction.
- E.g., humeral head subluxation may indicate deltoid muscle dysfunction.
- Signs of complex regional pain syndrome.
- Dry, hot, pink skin.
Edema, induration.
Sweaty, cold, blue skin.
Dry, cracked, thin skin.
Loss of creases at joints.
Abnormal hair and nail growth.
- Dry, hot, pink skin.
- Joint contractures.