A method and apparatus for diagnosing joints based on sensed joint vibrations. Accelerometers disposed on the skin adjacent to the joint detect vibrational patterns during movement of the joint. These patterns are then processed by one processor to generate a predetermined set of data parameters descriptive of the vibration pattern. Also, the position and velocity of the joint during the vibration is recorded. This information from numerous patients with known joint conditions is used to train a adaptive interpreter, such as a neural network, to produce an output in response to these inputs which is indicative of the known joint condition. Once trained, the adaptive interpreter can then interpret this set of parameters for an unknown joint to generate a fast and reliable diagnosis. The result is a non-subjective joint disorder classification system that can be utilized by persons without particular expertise in analyzing joint vibrational patterns.