Knee Exam Flashcards
1
Q
Introduction
A
- Infection control, introduce self, identify patient
- Explanation, consent, check for discomfort
- Adequately expose knees
2
Q
Inspection (compare sides)
A
- Standing – limb alignment, valgus deformity (knock-knee), varus deformity (bow leg), quadriceps muscle bulk, hamstring muscle bulk, popliteal fossae (Baker’s cyst)
- Gait – pace, symmetry, walking aids, antalgic, other gross abnormalities
- Lying – erythema, skin changes, bruising, scars, swelling (generalised, joint effusion, bursa), fixed flexion deformity
3
Q
Palpation (with knee flexed)
A
- Temperature
- Tibial tuberosity, patella tendon, medial and lateral joint lines, medial and lateral collateral ligaments
- Popliteal fossa
- Bursae – suprapatellar, prepatellar, infrapatellar, popliteal
4
Q
Move (compare sides)
A
- Flexion – active and passive, 0-140 degrees, feeling for crepitus
- Extension +/- heel height testing
5
Q
Special test - straight leg raise
A
- Assesses intact extensor mechanism
(Normal extension relies on the quadriceps muscles, quadriceps tendon, patella, patellar tendon and tibial tuberosity)
6
Q
Special test - effusion tests
A
- Small effusion - medial gutter sweep test
- Large effusion - patella tap
7
Q
Special test - Steinman test
A
- Meniscal provocation for meniscal tear
8
Q
Special test - collateral ligament testing
A
- Stressing of medial ligament (valgus) and lateral ligament (varus)
- Flex knee over the side of couch
9
Q
Special test - cruciate ligament testing
A
- ACL - Anterior drawer test / Lachman test
- PCL - Posterior drawer test
10
Q
Special test - heel height testing
A
Assesses restricted extension if history of locked knee with suggestion of meniscal tear
11
Q
Special test - patella tests
A
- Patella apprehension test with patella instability
- Patella grind test with patella-femoral OA
12
Q
Closure
A
- Explanation and appropriate documentation of findings
- Thank patient, infection control
