How do you perform a knee exam?

Procedure Steps

Ask the patient to walk.
Perform a general inspection.
Note the scar over the left knee of this patient.
Assess knee joint temperature.
Palpate the border of the patella.
Palpate the joint lines.
Palpate the point of insertion.
Tap the patella.

What can I expect from a knee exam?

We’ll evaluate the ligaments on the inside and the outside of the knee. So we’ll basically have the knee, drop it over the side of the table, flex it about 30 to 40 degrees and stress it outside and stress it inside. This tests the medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament.

How do you assess the knee joint?

Palpation

Assess temperature, comparing both sides. Start at the mid-thigh and work to the mid-shin.
Palpate the extensor mechanism: Start with quadriceps muscle and quadriceps tendon, feel around the patella and the patella ligament, and then press over the tibial tuberosity.
Check for a joint effusion.

What tests are there for knee pain?

In some cases, your doctor might suggest tests such as:

X-ray. Your doctor may first recommend having an X-ray, which can help detect bone fractures and degenerative joint disease.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
Ultrasound.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What is knee special test?

Special tests are used to prove or disprove your working hypothesis and identify the dysfunctional structures. See full list of knee special tests. ACL.

What do you wear to a knee exam?

What to Wear

Knee Exams– Wear loose fitting non-denim pants/shorts (no snaps, buttons, zippers or plastic).
Hip Exams– Wear non-denim shorts, sweatpants, athletic pants, or pull on types (no snaps, buttons, zippers, plastic or metal grommets, embroidery or screen printing).

How do you make sure your knees are healthy?

8 Ways to Keep Your Knees Healthy as You Age

Strengthen your upper and lower leg muscles.
Stretch those same leg muscles to support your full range of motion.
Maintain a recommended weight.
Choose low-impact exercises to protect the cartilage in your knees.
See a medical provider right away if you have a swollen knee.

What kind of tests are done on the knee?

“Physical examination of the knee is performed by accessing temperature, fluid, tendon pathology, cartilage pathology, and laxity. Common tests/maneuvers include the Noble Test, Ober Test, Lachman Test, and McMurray’s Test.

How is the noble test done for knee pain?

Noble Test. In the noble test is done placing the knee with some flexion while patient is supine. Next place the thumb over the iliotibial band before its insertion to the lateral femoral condyle (as noted in image). While placing pressure with your thumb, attempt to extend the leg, looking for pain under your thumb.

How to tell if there is fluid in your knee?

1 Commonly, no fluid will be appreciated. 2 A medial aspect that ‘bulges’ out after lateral pressure (positive “bulge sign”) is consistent with a moderate amount of fluid. 3 A medial aspect that does not bulge but tensely reflects lateral pressure is consistent with a large amount of fluid.

How many ments are in a knee scan?

The routine clinical examination of the knee consists of 10 passive movements, two for the joint and eight for the liga. ments, and two resisted movements (Table 50.1). If signs warrant, or if suspicion of meniscal lesions or instability arises from the history, complementary tests can be performed.