[Musculoskeletal examination: from neonates to adolescents]

A large number of medical consultations are related to musculoskeletal abnormalities. Less than 10 percent of patients are referred for surgery. In most cases, history taking and a mere clinical examination are sufficient to establish a diagnosis. Useful additional tests are usually limited to standard anteroposterior and lateral x-rays and laboratory analysis when an infection- or inflammation-induced abnormality is suspected. Any physician likely to deal with children should be able to conduct this clinical examination and include some of its elements given its essential role in screening (spinal deformities for instance).