Knee Exam

Question 1

In what position is the patient when you are performing the knee exam?

Answer 1

Supine

Question 2

Where is the course of the ACL?

Answer 2

The ACL extends from the lateral femoral condyle to the anterior tibia.

Question 3

What is the course of the PCL?

Answer 3

The PCL extends from the medial femoral condyle to the posterior tibia.

Question 4

What test is commonly used to test for an ACL injury?

Answer 4

Anterior Drawer Test and the Lachman Test

Question 5

What is the Anterior Drawer test and how is it performed?

Answer 5

It is a test for ACL injury. With the knee bent at a 90 degree angle, pull forward on the knee. There is increased anterior gliding of the tibia when an ACL injury is present.

Question 6

What is the Lachman test?

Answer 6

Similar to the Anterior Drawer test; however, the angle of the knee is 30 degrees.

Question 7

What test is commonly used to test for PCL injury?

Answer 7

Posterior Drawer test

Question 8

What findings will be present on the posterior drawer test if there is a PCL injury?

Answer 8

There will be increased gliding of the tibia due to PCL injury.

Question 9

How can one test for MCL tear?

Answer 9

Apply abnormal passive abduction –> With the knee extended at 30 degrees, apply a lateral (valgus) force. If there is an MCL injury, there will be widening of the tibia medially.

Question 10

How can one test for LCL tear?

Answer 10

Apply abnormal passive adduction –> with the knee extended at a 30 degree angle, apply a medial (varus) force. If there is a LCL injury, there will be widening of the tibia laterally.

Question 11

What is the McMurray Test?

Answer 11

Test for meniscus tear

Question 12

How do you perform the McMurray Test?

Answer 12

During flexiox/extension of the knee with rotation of the tibia/foot.

Question 13

Describe the findings of McMurrary test if there is a meniscus tear.

Answer 13

Pain/popping on external rotation means that there is likely a medial meniscal tear. Pain/popping with internal rotation means there is likely a lateral meniscal tear.

Question 14

What is the unhappy triad in relation to knee conditions?

Answer 14

This is a common injury in contact sports due to lateral force applied to a planted leg classically presenting with damage to the ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus

Question 15

How does the unhappy triad present?

Answer 15

It presents with acute knee pain and signs of joint injury or instability.

Question 16

What is prepatellar bursitis?

Answer 16

Prepatellar bursitis is inflammation of the knee’s largest sac of synovial fluid.

Question 17

What causes prepatellar bursitis?

Answer 17

Prepatellar bursitis can be caused by repeated trauma or pressure from excessive kneeling.

Question 18

What is a baker cyst?

Answer 18

A baker cyst is popliteal fluid collection in the gastrocnemius-smimebranous bursa commonly communicating with the synovial space and related to chronic joint disease.