A method for determining the anatomic condition of components of the body of a human or of an animal is disclosed comprising producing a sound signal in a selected component of the body by at least one of passive and active movements of at least one joint. The method includes recording a sound signal at a point adjacent to the selected component of the body and evaluating the sound signal. An auxiliary device selected from the group consisting of a splint, an orthosis and an exercise machine is used which ensures a repeatable movement determined by the design of the auxiliary device. The sound signal caused by the movement is recorded and evaluated by a spectral analysis of frequencies and amplitudes contained in the sound signal. A comparison is made with reference patterns of the spectral analyses for the diagnosis of the anatomic condition. The result of a diagnosis is indicated as at least one of a print out and a screen display and wherein the joint investigated is schematically illustrated on the screen display, optionally with associated soft tissues, tendons and ligaments. The diagnosis is indicated visually, by at least one of coloring, lighting up of and flashing of damaged positions.