knee examination

Question 1

introduction

Answer 1

1 - full intro, check PT name
2 - explain fully and consent
3 - expose
4 - alcohol hands before and after examination

Question 2

first thing to assess after intro

Answer 2

gait - ask if ok to walk and then to walk.

2 - comment e.g. normal, antalgic, short leg, high stepping

Question 3

after gait

Answer 3

inspection whilst standing
1 - front and side and back
2- skin, soft tissues (lumps and bumps), joints (varus valgus)

Question 4

after inspection on standing

Answer 4

lie supine on bed and feel 
1 - temperature
2 - bakers cyst
3 - effusions - patellar tap, bulge test
4 - joint line tenderness in slight flexion - medial, lateral and tibial tuberosity. 
5 - measure upper quads for wasting

Question 5

after feeling the leg/knee

Answer 5

test it.
1 - check stability of medial and lateral collateral ligaments
2 - straight leg raise - look for posterior sag and extensor lag
3 - anterior draw test for ACL
4 - offer mcmurray’s test for meniscal tear
5 - active knee flexion and extension then passive
6 - quads and hamstrings strength test
7 - thanks patient and ends
8 - say to complete i would do a neurovascular examination of the legs and test the joint above and below.