Essentials of the Musculoskeletal Exam; Part II: Evaluating the Nervous System

When examining the musculoskeletal system, neurological aspects must be considered. Strength testing, as discussed in Part I of this article (Clinical Geriatrics 2005;13[11]: 16-24), helps to assess whether a pattern of muscular weakness is due to a spinal nerve problem, or other musculoskeletal diseases. Examining the reflexes and the sensory system helps to differentiate neuronal damage from musculoskeletal pathology. Weakness associated with reflexive changes and discrepancies within the sensory system may indicate the nervous system as the culprit that is causing disease. Furthermore, e...