Knee Assessment

Question 1

What are some red flag pathologies and findings of the knee?

Answer 1

• Septic osteoarthritis
• Wound infection
• Compartment syndrome
• Bone tumours
• Blocked movement
• Gross instability
• Non-mechanical pain
• Calf redness/ heat/ pain

Question 2

What are some knee specific special questions for a subjective assessment?

Answer 2

Does the patient have or have they experienced any….
- Locking
- Swelling
- Giving way
- Clicking/clunking
- Any sound on injury (e.g.: popping)
- Pins and needles

Question 3

What muscles must be known around the knee?

Answer 3

• Rectus femoris
• Vastus lateralis
• Vastus intermedius
• Vastus medialis
• Biceps femoris
• Semimembranosus
• Semitendonosus
• Popliteus

Question 4

What are the bony landmarks of the knee?

Answer 4

• Medial femoral epicondyles
• Lateral femoral epicondyles
• Adductor Tubercle
• Tibial Plateau
• Joint line
• Patella
• Trochlea groove
• Tibial tuberosity
• Head of fibula
• Gerdy’s Tubercle