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GALS Examination OSCE Guide
GALS Examination OSCE Guide
geekymedics.com/gals-assessment/
GALS examination (Gait / Arms / Legs / Spine) , is often used as a quick screening tool to detect locomotor
abnormalities and functional disability in a patient. This GALS examination OSCE guide demonstrates how to
perform the assessment in a step by step manner, with an included video guide. Check out the GALS mark scheme
here.
Introduction
Wash hands
Introduce yourself
Explain examination
Gain consent
Ask if the patient has any pain anywhere before you begin!
Screening questions
Do you have any pain in your muscles, joints or back?
Are you able to walk up and down the stairs without any difficulty?
Gait
Ask the patient to walk to the end of the room and back whilst you observe:
Assess gait
Assess gait
1. 1
2. 2
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Inspection
Ask the patient to stand in the anatomical position whilst you inspect from the front, side and behind for any
abnormalities.
Front
Feet – note any midfoot or forefoot deformity / asymmetry ( e.g. hallux valgus)
2/10
Inspect front of upper body
1. 1
2. 2
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Side
Thoracic spine:
Hyperlordosis – spondylolisthesis
Loss of lumbar lordosis ( flat back syndrome) – compression fractures / ankylosing spondylitis
1. 1
2. 2
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Behind
Iliac crest alignment – pelvic tilt may suggest hip abductor weakness
Hind-foot abnormalities
4/10
Inspect back
1. 1
2. 2
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Arms
Ask the patient to place their hands behind their head – assesses shoulder abduction and external rotation in
addition to elbow flexion.
Ask the patient to hold their hands out in front of them, with their palms facing down and fingers
outstretched:
Inspect the backs of the hands for asymmetry, joint swelling and deformity
Power grip – ask the patient to squeeze your fingers and assess grip strength (comparing between the hands)
Precision grip – ask the patient to touch each finger in turn to their thumb
5/10
Gently squeeze across the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints – observe for non-verbal signs of discomfort
– tenderness may indicate inflammatory arthropathy
Pronation
Supination
6/10
Assess power grip
MCP squeeze
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
6. 6
7. 7
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Legs
Position the patient lying down on the examination couch.
Assess passive full knee flexion and extension – feeling for crepitus
Assess passive internal rotation of the hip joint (hip and knee joint should be flexed to 90º for assessment)
7/10
Patellar tap (can detect large effusions)
1. Empty the suprapatellar pouch by sliding your left hand down the thigh to the patella.
2. Keep your left hand in position and use your right hand to press downwards on the patella with your fingertips.
3. If fluid is present you will feel a distinct tap as the patella bumps against the femur.
Squeeze across metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints – observe for non-verbal signs of discomfort – tenderness
may indicate inflammatory arthropathy
Patella tap
8/10
MTJ squeeze
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
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Spine
Inspect the patient’s spine:
Lateral flexion of cervical spine – ask the patient to tilt their head to each side, moving their ear towards the
shoulder
Lumbar flexion:
9/10
Assess TMJ joint
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
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Wash hands
Summarise findings
10/10