Overview
Feel For
- Costochondral & sternochondral jointsBetween the sternum and the ribs anteriorly. Especially palpate for tenderness.
- Spinous processesPosterior processes of the vertebrae
- Interspinous & supraspinous ligamentsConnecting adjacent spinous processes posteriorly
- Facet jointsBetween vertebrae, lateral to the midline. Especially palpate the cervical facet joints.
- Costovertebral jointsOf the thoracic vertebrae
- Sacroiliac joint
Vertebral Landmarks
C1 - feel for the transverse processes between the angle of the mandible and the mastoid, asking the patient to turn their head.
C2 - palpate down from the occiput in the midline. The spinous process of C2 is the first palpable process.
C7 - the most prominent spinous process posteriorly.
T2 - palpate medially to the superior angle of the scapula.
T6 - palpate medially from the inferior angle of the scapula.
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