Orthopedic special tests: performance, interpretation and evidence

The Assessment Book is Physiotutors’ practical guide to orthopedic physical assessment for physiotherapy students, educators and clinicians. This 600+ page e-book brings together over 300 clinical tests, organized by body region, to support musculoskeletal examination, exam preparation and everyday clinical reference.

Look up a test, review how to perform it and check the research behind its findings. The searchable digital format helps you move between test descriptions, video demonstrations and published evidence.

What is included in this physical assessment book?

• 300+ orthopedic special tests: detailed descriptions, performance guidelines and clear visuals.
• Diagnostic accuracy data: sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios from the research.
• Clinical value recommendations: an overview of each test’s clinical utility to support test selection and interpretation.
• Video demonstrations: direct links to see how assessment procedures are performed.
• Research references: links to PubMed articles so you can explore the evidence.
• Free lifetime updates: the book is currently on Version 6; future updates are included at no additional charge.

A musculoskeletal assessment reference for study and practice

Use the book to revise orthopedic examination techniques before a practical exam, prepare for a clinical placement or refresh your knowledge of a specific test. Chapters organized by body region make it easier to find relevant assessments of the spine and upper and lower extremities.

For students, the test descriptions and videos connect written instructions with practical performance. For practicing physiotherapists and physical therapists, the diagnostic accuracy data and references provide a starting point for reviewing the evidence behind a test. Clinical findings should be interpreted alongside the patient’s history and the rest of the examination.

E-book format and device requirements

This is a DRM-protected digital book in DRMZ format, not a standard PDF. It requires the free Javelin PDF Reader and cannot be opened in Adobe Reader or other regular PDF software. Javelin is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

1. Download and install Javelin PDF Reader on your chosen devices.
2. After purchase, use the download and activation details in your order email to open the book.
3. Activate your license on up to 2 devices. Once activated, the book can be read offline; opening external videos and research links requires an internet connection.

To switch devices later, contact shop@physiotutors.com for an activation reset. Printing is disabled. The e-book and Physiotutors membership are separate products.

Prefer a printed reference? See The Assessment Book paperback for the print option.