Knee Examination
Knee Examination - Related Videos
12:01
Knee Exam
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2023
Source: Robert E. Sallis, MD. Kaiser Permanente, Fontana, California, USA The knee is a hinged joint that connects the femur with the tibia. It is the largest joint in the body, and due to its location in the middle of the lower leg, it is subjected to a variety of traumatic and degenerative forces. Examination of the knee can be quite complex, owing to the fact it is an inherently unstable joint held together by various ligaments and supported by menisci, which act as shock absorbers and...
08:43
Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
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Cited by 12 •
2016
Isolated Musculus gastrocnemius tightness is a common cause for foot and ankle pathologies. Currently no standardized examination procedure exists. This manuscript demonstrates that 20 degree of knee flexion eliminates the restraining effect of the M. gastrocnemius on ankle dorsiflexion and presents a video description of a standardized examination protocol.
06:49
Rat Hindlimb Below-Knee Amputation Model and Immediate Targeted Muscle Reinnervation
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2026
This protocol demonstrates how to perform a below-knee amputation in rats and to immediately perform targeted muscle reinnervation (iTMR) to investigate strategies to treat and prevent amputation-related pain and to better understand pain mechanisms associated with amputation.
04:22
Assessment of Knee Hyperalgesia in Mice using Pressure Application Measurement
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Cited by 2 •
2025
The protocol describes how to measure knee hyperalgesia in mice. We show examples in mouse models of acute knee pain as well as in models of osteoarthritis (OA).
09:51
Using Point of Care Ultrasound to Augment Acquisition of Physical Exam Skills: Knee and Shoulder
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2023
Source: Joseph H. Donroe, Rachel Liu; Yale School of Medicine, USA Point of Care Ultrasound or POCUS is easy to use, has enhanced mobility due to the smaller equipment needed, and may be carried out in a variety of settings. It is also far safer and cheaper than imaging techniques like computer tomography. POCUS can be helpful when certain physical exam findings are difficult to appreciate by palpation, percussion, or auscultation and can facilitate learning elements of the cardiac, pulmonary,...
FAQs
A systematic sequence helps connect observed findings with possible sources of dysfunction. Inspection and palpation identify visible or palpable abnormalities, while movement, strength, and gait assessment show how the joint functions. Targeted tests then add focused evidence about stability or symptom reproduction, supporting differential diagnosis and decisions about further evaluation.
Targeted stability tests place controlled stress on specific aspects of the knee while the clinician observes the response. The result can provide focused information about instability and may reproduce the patient’s symptoms. Because these maneuvers complement inspection, palpation, movement, and strength assessment, they help distinguish a stability problem from other causes of knee complaints.
Distal pulses, sensation, and reflexes extend the assessment beyond the joint itself. Abnormal findings may indicate neurovascular involvement, while the overall pattern can help clinicians consider referred or associated conditions. Including these checks reduces the risk of interpreting every symptom as a local knee abnormality and supports safer decisions about further testing.
The assessment progresses through several complementary stages: inspection and palpation, evaluation of range of motion, muscle-strength testing, gait assessment, and targeted stability maneuvers. Clinicians may also examine distal pulses, sensation, and reflexes. This sequence combines structural observations, functional performance, symptom reproduction, and neurovascular information rather than relying on one finding alone.
Range of motion shows whether movement is restricted, while muscle-strength testing indicates how well the surrounding functional system performs. Gait assessment adds information about how the knee behaves during movement rather than at rest. Together, these findings help characterize the functional effect of a knee problem and contribute to differential diagnosis and treatment planning.
Findings from the examination can help determine whether imaging or other testing is warranted and can support treatment planning. The approach applies across injuries, degenerative disease, and inflammatory disorders, although the relevant findings may differ. Repeating the assessment also allows clinicians to monitor recovery by comparing pain, movement, function, stability, and associated signs over time.