What should be palpated for the femurs during the back view assessment?

During the back view assessment, palpating the femoral condyles is important because it provides valuable information about the alignment and positioning of the femur relative to the tibia and overall lower limb mechanics. The femoral condyles are the rounded ends of the femur that articulate with the tibia and play a critical role in knee function. When assessing posture from the back view, observing the condyles can help determine if there are any deviations or misalignments in the leg structure, which can influence overall stability and movement efficiency.

In contrast, while the femoral head, shaft, and patella are also significant structures in relation to the femur and knee, they do not provide the same insights into the back view posture evaluation. The femoral head is particularly more relevant when assessing in front or side views, and the patella is more involved with tracking during movement rather than static positional alignment. Thus, palpating the femoral condyles during a back view assessment allows for a clearer understanding of lower extremity alignment and potential postural imbalances.