REMS Flashcards
What could could an abnormal high step gait?
Foot drop secondary to common peroneal nerve palsy/ sciatic nerve palsy i.e. after total hip replacement
What is an antalgic gait?
Gait abnormality where the stance phase of gait is abnormally shortened relative to the swing phase. It can be a good indication of pain with weight-bearing
What 5 things would you inspect for anteriorly in the knee?
- Scars
- Swellings
- Asymmetry/ leg length discrepancy
- Valgus / Varus deformity
- Quadriceps wasting
List 3 causes of anterior knee swelling?
- Effusions
- Inflammatory arthropathy
- Septic arthritis
What is a cause of quadriceps wasting?
Decreased mobility due to injury/ arthritis/ nerve injury
What 5 things would you inspect for posteriorly in the knee?
- Scars
- Asymmetry
- Popliteal swelling
- Gluteal muscle bulk
- Hindfoot abnormalities
- Iliac crest alignment
List 2 causes of a popliteal swelling?
- Baker’s cyst
2. Popliteal aneurysm
What 3 things would you inspect for side on in the knee?
- Knee flexion
- Foot arches
- Toe deformities
What may a tender quadriceps tendon suggest?
Tendonitis
What may a tender patella suggest?
Injury/ Patellofemoral arthritis
What are 2 knee tests for assessing joint effusions?
- Patellar tap (for larger joint effusions)
2. Sweep test (for smaller joint effusions)
List 4 causes of joint effusions?
- Ligament rupture (anterior cruciate ligament)
- Septic arthritis
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
What 6 things should you palpate on the knee bent at 90o?
- Patella tendon
- Tibial tuberosity
- Joint line
- Head of fibula
- Collateral ligaments
- Popliteal fossa
What does tibial tuberosity tenderness suggest?
Osgood-Schlatter disease
What does joint line tenderness suggest in the knee?
Meniscal tear
What is the normal range of movement for knee flexion?
0-140o
What is the normal range for hyperextension of the knee?
<10o
What can significant anterior movement of the tibia on the femur suggest in a knee exam?
Anterior cruciate laxity/rupture
What can significant posterior movement of the tibia on the femur suggest in a knee exam?
Posterior cruciate laxity/rupture
What is the Lachman’s test most sensitive for?
ACL rupture
What are the 3 special tests in a knee examination?
- Anterior/posterior drawer test
- Lachman’s test
- Collateral ligaments
What are 3 other investigations you would request after a knee examination?
- Neurovascular examination of both lower limbs
- Examination of the joint above & below: ankle & hip
- Further imaging if indicated: X-ray / MRI
