Physical examination Examination includes Vascular and neurologic assessment Inspection for open wounds, deformity, swelling, ecchymoses, and decreased or abnormal motion Palpation for tenderness, crepitation, and gross defects in bone or tendon Examination of the joints above and below the injured area Sometimes for subluxations, stress testing of the affected joints for instability If muscle spasm and pain limit physical examination (particularly for stress testing), examination is sometimes easier after the patient is given a systemic analgesic or local anesthetic.