Knee pain-causes overview

History -One or both knees are affected and if other jts are affected Onset , location, duration, severity and quality of the pain Aggravating and relieving factors If pain is persistent or occurs at night ( Night pain may indicate tumour , inflammatory arthritis or severe OA ) H/O Swelling including onset Joint stiffness H/O Locking or giving way Crepitus snapping or clicking ( limited value )

Examination -Full exposure both knees Compare both knees Observe walking , how pt goes from sitting to standing Look for genu valgum or varum Inspection and palpate both knees and surrounding structures ► Look for erythema , warmth , deformity ► Swelling → including bony swelling , jt effusion , bursal and soft tissue swelling► Bony swelling around jt margins → often palpable in OA► Persistent ↑ ing or unexplained bony swelling-think Tumourparticularly if its away from jt line► Bruising ► Quadriceps atrophy and tenderness Move the knees by extending and flexing as far as possible ( N range 0° of extension to 135° of flexion ) Active and passive ROM Ballotment- assessment for effusion Examine ipsilateral hip and lumbar spine ( looking for referred pain ) If needed examine other jts and...