back

Last reviewed 01/2018

With the patient sitting up, the back is examined for:

  • scars
  • deformity (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis & aortic regurgitation)
  • palpate the sacrum for oedema (cardiac failure)
  • percuss for a pleural effusion (LVF)
  • auscultate for:
    • inspiratory crackles (LVF)
    • murmur of aortic coarctation

Ref: Clinical Examination, Talley, N. & O'Connor, S., 1992, 2nd edition, Blackwell Scientific Publications, p.90