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Physical Examination of the Peripheral Nerves and Vasculature

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Nerve and Vascular Injuries in Sports Medicine

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A thorough physical examination begins with a detailed history followed by inspection, palpation, and testing of muscle strength, tone, reflexes, and sensation. This systematic approach to the physical examination is useful for the peripheral nervous system and vascular system so pertinent details are not missed. When inspecting neurovascular structures, the physical examination is the primary initial clinical assessment. In addition to these fundamental aspects of the physical examination, many “special” provocation or relief tests and signs have been developed. The clinician then forms an impression from the information gathered during the history and physical examination and may use more advanced diagnostic tests to rule in or rule out a diagnosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA

    Brian White

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Peter Gonzalez

  3. Malanga Pain Management, Overlook Hospital, Summit, NJ, USA

    Gerard A. Malanga

  4. Atlantic Health, Summit, NJ, USA

    Gerard A. Malanga

  5. New Jersey Medical School, Rehabilitation, Summit, NJ, USA

    Gerard A. Malanga

  6. Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, Aurora, CO, USA

    Venu Akuthota

  7. The Spine Center of the University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA

    Venu Akuthota

  8. University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Venu Akuthota

  9. University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA

    Venu Akuthota

  10. University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA

    Venu Akuthota

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  1. Brian White
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  4. Venu Akuthota
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    White, B., Gonzalez, P., Malanga, G.A., Akuthota, V. (2009). Physical Examination of the Peripheral Nerves and Vasculature. In: Herring, S., Akuthota, V. (eds) Nerve and Vascular Injuries in Sports Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-76600-3_4

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-76600-3_4

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