History and physical examination

Musculoskeletal conditions are common, their impact is pervasive and they are a major burden on health and social care. However, they are poorly managed because of lack of priority and inadequate competencies due to limited medical education in this spectrum of conditions. The ability to take a clear history and perform a competent examination are core skills to the appropriate management of musculoskeletal problems. This chapter outlines an approach that is followed by most specialists in rheumatology, orthopaedics or rehabilitation that can be used to teach other clinicians going into primary care or at the beginning of specialist training.