Understand | diagnose | change

Whether you are looking to learn more about paediatric musculoskeletal problems, or are involved in the care of children, then PMM and PMM-Nursing will help you change your clinical practice for the better. PMM is free and open to all !

pGALS (paediatric Gait Arms Legs Spine)

pGALS - an evidence-based approach to basic musculoskeletal assessment and widely taught to medical students and physicians in primary care, paediatrics and orthopaedics. 

  • pGALS is simple, quick and easy.
  • pGALS is an integral skill used within the examination of all children (...just like examining the heart, chest or abdomen!)
  • pGALS is similar to adult GALS, with a few simple additional manoeuvres. 
  • It is important to assess all joints as the history may not localise the site of the problem.
  • Check for non-verbal clues of discomfort. 
  • "Practice makes perfect" - opportunities to assess children's joints are numerous (consider physiotherapy outpatients and not just rheumatology clinics!)
  • A 'copy me' approach is useful to help engage children in performing pGALS.

There are many resources to support pGALS teaching and learning:

  • The pGALS App - Google Play and Apple Store - with multiple language translations, explanatory notes, images, and relevant links to PMM.

A revision guide for pGALS OSCE is available from GeekyMedics.