Components of the osteopathic structural examination
Notes
Introduction to OMM
Components of the osteopathic structural examination
| ANTERIOR EXAMINATION | |
| LANDMARK | SPINAL LEVEL / ANATOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE |
| Upper limb / Chest | |
| Suprasternal notch | T2 |
| Manubrium | - |
| Sternal angle (angle of Louis) | T4–T5 |
| Xiphoid process | T9 |
| Supraclavicular fossa | superior to body of clavicle |
| Sternoclavicular (SC) joint | - |
| Acromioclavicular (AC) joint | - |
| Coracoid process | just inferior and medial to the acromion |
| Pelvis / Lower limb | |
| Iliac crest | L4 |
| Anterior superior iliac spine | bony prominence inferior and medial to iliac crest, at the base of the sacrum |
| Patella | - |
| Tibial tuberosity | inferior to patella |
| Medial malleolus | distal aspect of the tibia; attachment of the deltoid ligament |
| Fibular head | proximal fibula, inferior and lateral to knee |
| Lateral malleolus | base of the fibula |
| POSTERIOR EXAMINATION | |
| LANDMARK | SPINAL LEVEL / ANATOMICAL LOCATION |
| Head / Neck | |
| External acoustic meatus | - |
| Tip of mastoid process | - |
| Inion (external occipital protuberance) | midline bony prominence of the occipital bone |
| Axis | C2 spinous process |
| Vertebra prominens | C7 spinous process |
| Scapula | |
| Spine | T3 spinous process |
| Medial border | - |
| Inferior angle | T7 spinous process |
| Pelvis / Lower limb | |
| Iliac crest | L4 |
| Posterior superior iliac spine | between S1 and S2 |
| Greater trochanter | - |
| Popliteal fossa | - |
| Calcaneus | insertion of the Achilles tendon |
Figure 1. Major anterior and posterior anatomic landmarks.
Author: Arman Israelyan, OMS-III
Editor: Matt Lipinski, DO
Editor: Robyn Hughes, MScBMC
Illustrator: Jillian Dunbar
Key Takeaways
The osteopathic structural examination is a comprehensive assessment of the patient's body that looks for areas of imbalance or dysfunction. The goal is to identify musculoskeletal dysfunction and cranial strain pattern that might contribute to the patient's health problems and thus find the basis for treatment decisions and strategy.
The exam includes a review of the patient's medical history and a physical examination to assess the condition of the musculoskeletal system. It can reveal clues about how well the body functions and help identify areas that may need treatment.