Musculoskeletal - Knee Flashcards
General clinical signs + objects/equipment on general inspection
Body habitus - RF for osteoarthritis
Scars
Muscle wasting
Walking aids/prescriptions
Clinical signs on anterior/lateral/posterior inspection of the knee
Anterior - scars, bruising, swelling, psoriasis, patellar position, valgus/varus deformity, quadriceps wasting
Lateral - hyperextension or fixed flexion
Posterior - scars, muscle wasting, popliteal swelling
Gait cycle phases (6)
Heel-strike
Foot flat
Mid-stance
Heel-off
Toe-off
Swing
Gait components to observe
Gait cycle
Range of movement
Limping
Leg length
Turning
Height of steps
Causes of joint effusion
Ligament rupture, septic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis
Patellar tap technique
Extend knee fully, slide left hand down thigh to upper border of patella (empties suprapatellar pouch), then press down on the patella with fingertips (positive = tap as patella bumps against femur, fluid is present)
Sweep test technique
Extended knee, empty suprapatellar pouch, stroke medial side of knee with back of hand then stroke the lateral side while observing medial side for bulge or ripple (effusion present)
Popliteal pulsatile mass
Popliteal aneurysm
Anterior + posterior drawer test technique
Knee 90, thumbs on tibial tuberosity + forearms on lower leg to stabilise then pull (anterior drawer) or push (posterior drawer)
Varus and valgus stress tests
Knee extended, palm on medial knee, other palm lower on lateral side + fingers palpating lateral knee joint line. Push on medial aspect = varus.
Reverse for valgus
McMurray’s test for medial and lateral meniscus
Passively flex knee all the way, LH on knee, RH on sole of foot. LH pushes outward, RH slowly extends knee. Click +/- discomfort = medial meniscal tear.
Reverse for lateral meniscus assessment.
