Knee Exam Flashcards
How does a valgus deformity of the knee present?
The tibia is turned outward in relation of the femur, leading to ‘knee knocking;
How does a varus deformity of the knee present?
The tibia is turned inward in relation to the femur, resulting in bowlegged appearance
What may tenderness of the patella indicate?
Injury or patellofemoral arthritis
What may tenderness of the patellar ligament indicate?
Tendonitis or rupture
What may tenderness of the medial and lateral joint lines indicate?
- Fracture
- Meniscal injury e.g. meniscal tear
- Collateral ligament injury e.g. rupture
What may cause joint effusion?
- Ligament rupture e.g. ACL
- Septic arthritis
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
What is the patellar tap test used for?
Used to screen for the presence of a moderate-to-large knee joint effusion
What is the sweep test used for?
To identify small joint effusions that may not be obvious using the patellar tap
Why do you palpate the patellar ligament?
For tenderness suggestive of tendonitis or rupture
What may a pulsatile mass in the popliteal fossa indicate?
A popliteal aneurysm
What is the normal range of movement for active knee flexion?
0 - 140 degrees
How do you get a patient to do an active knee flexion?
‘Move your heel as close to your bottom as you can’
What is the normal range of movement for active knee extension?
Should be able to lie flat (180 degrees)
How do you get a patient to do an active knee extension?
‘Straighten your leg out that it is flat on the bed’
What is the normal range of movement for passive knee flexion?
0 - 140 degrees
What does excessive knee hyperextension indicate in passive knee extension?
Pathology affecting the integrity of the knee joint’s ligaments
What is the posterior sag sign?
When the tibia sags posteriorly in relation to the femur, as a result of PCL rupture
What is the anterior drawer test used for?
To assess the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament
What are the results of the anterior drawer test?
- Significant movement
- May indicate anterior cruciate ligament laxity or rupture
What is the posterior drawer test used for?
To assess the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament
What are the results of the posterior drawer test?
- Significant movement
- May indicate posterior cruciate ligament laxity or rupture
What is Lachman’s test used for?
Laxity or rupture of the ACL
What are the results of the Lachman’s test?
Significant anterior movement of the tibia on the femur suggests ACL laxity or rupture
What is the purpose of the lateral collateral ligament assessment (varus stress test)?
To assess the integrity of the LCL of the knee joint
What is the purpose of the medial collateral ligament assessment (valgus stress test)?
To assess the integrity of the MCL of the knee joint
What is McMurray’s test used to assess?
To assess the menisci for evidence of a meniscal tear
What assessments and investigations should be completed after a knee examination?
- Neuro exam of lower limbs
- Examination of Ankle and hip
- Further imaging
