a method for determining the anatomic condition of components of the body of a human or of an animal is disclosed comprising producing a sound signal in a selected component of the body by at least one of passive and active movements of at least one joint . the method includes recording a sound signal at a point adjacent to the selected component of the body and evaluating the sound signal . an auxiliary device selected from the group consisting of a splint , an orthosis and an exercise machine is used which ensures a repeatable movement determined by the design of the auxiliary device . the sound signal caused by the movement is recorded and evaluated by a spectral analysis of frequencies and amplitudes contained in the sound signal . a comparison is made with reference patterns of the spectral analyses for the diagnosis of the anatomic condition . the result of a diagnosis is indicated as at least one of a print out and a screen display and wherein the joint investigated is schematically illustrated on the screen display , optionally with associated soft tissues , tendons and ligaments . the diagnosis is indicated visually , by at least one of coloring , lighting up of and flashing of damaged positions .