Patient Examination
A healthcare professional observes the stance and gait of the patient and gives valuable hints to the diagnosis of knee problem. In the case of atrophy from inactive lifestyle, the doctors look for the decreased circumference of the quadriceps. Another visible observation is the palpable knee effusion which suggests a ligament or meniscal injury. The palpable knee effusion might also suggest arthritis if the pain is chronic. The tenderness in the joint lines suggests a tear in the meniscus that can also lead to the blocking of full extension movement of the knee joint. In the physical examination, the doctor performs a number of tests to evaluate the cause of knee problem; some of these tests are as follows:
- Patella dislocation test
- Varus and valgus stress test
- Posterior draw test
- Lachman test
- Posterolateral corner injury test