MSK Examination - Knee

Question 1

Look - what position?

Answer 1

Standing 1st then lying down from end of bed

Question 2

Looking for?

Answer 2

Symmetry
Rashes, wounds, scars and swelling
Wasting of the quadriceps  
Varus or valgus deformity 
Fixed flexion of the knee

Question 3

Describe varus and valgus deformities.

Answer 3

Varus - both knees pointing out laterally

Valgus - both knees pointing medially (knocked knees)

Question 4

Feel for…?

Answer 4

Temp at mid-thigh and knees
Tenderness along border of patella, extensor mechanism, medial and lateral joint lines
Feel behind the knee for baker cysts
Knee effusion - perform a patella tap, if no patella tap present do a bulge test to check for smaller effusions

Question 5

How to do patellar tap and bulge test?

Answer 5

Look at geekymedics video

Question 6

Movements - active and passive

Answer 6

Flexion - move foot towards buttock and then back straight (extension). Repeat passively and feel for crepitus
Hyper-extension - lifting legs by heels and looking for excessive extension
Extensor mechanism - ask patient to straight leg raise

Question 7

Movements - collateral ligament assessments.

Answer 7

Flex knee to 20/30* ad apply lateral and medial stress to the knee. If there’s a lot of movement suggests damage