Which item is included in the 90-second musculoskeletal screening examination?

• A. Shoulder motion
• B. Elbow motion
• C. Calf symmetry and leg strength
• D. AC joint

Answer: (D)

In a 90-second musculoskeletal screening, the emphasis is on quickly checking high-yield indicators that can signal injury. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is included because injuries here are common in athletes and can be identified with a rapid, simple check—palpating the AC joint for tenderness and noting any pain or deformity with movements that load the joint, such as cross-body movement or resisted shoulder actions. This quick, targeted assessment lets you flag potential AC joint pathology without needing a full, time-consuming examination.

Other options aren’t the main focus of this brief screen because assessing shoulder or elbow motion in detail or evaluating calf symmetry and leg strength generally requires more time and broader testing. The 90-second screen prioritizes a fast, high-yield assessment, and the AC joint fits that purpose by offering a concise, sensitive indicator of upper-extremity injury.