ABSTRACT
Exposure requires removing any clothes from one joint above to the one below in relation to the affected area as well as the opposite side, so that a comparison can be made between normal and abnormal. The Apley system starts with looking at the skin, which is often best done with the patient standing, walking around the patient to make sure that no view (especially the back) is missed. Look at the following:
Feel is the second stage of the Apley system and follows the same principle: skin, soft tissue and bone. It is good practice to ask the patient if there is an especially tender area, to avoid causing unnecessary discomfort. Observe the patient’s face, not your hands, when palpating as it is on the patient’s face that the first signs of discomfort will be found. Assessment of the distal neurovascular status is required in all cases.
