Knee Examination

Introduce Self
Check Identity
Gain Consent
Wash Hands
Expose patient as
appropriate
Observe from end of bed Walking stick, Delta Rollator, Orthopaedic Shoes,
Looks well/unwell?
Close inspection With patient standing scars, skin changes,
de!ormit", muscle wasting, swelling# Remem$er to
look at sides !or scars and $ehind#
Gait Look !or
%# &se o! aid
'# ($normal gait
)# Stride length
*# +ain
Palpation ,eel !or heat, patella, patellar alignment,
-uadriceps tendon, collateral ligaments,
patello!emoral .oint inc $eneath the patella, .oint
line /with knees slightl" $ent0, test !or .oint
e!!usion using the $ulge test#
easure 1ircum!erence o! $oth legs using a tape measure
/!rom a !ixed $on" point0
!ctive ovement Remem$er to sta$ili2e pel3is
%# ,lexion 4eel to $um
'# Extension Knee to $ed
Passive ovement 5ake sure no pain caused
%#,lexion 6end leg at knee
'#Extension Straighten the leg at knee with
hand o3er patella !or crepitus
)#4"perextension Li!t leg o!! $ed and push
knee downwards !rom a$o3e, look !or ti$ial
swag /posterior cruciate damage0
Collateral "i#aments ,lex knee to )7, increased mo3ement i! damaged
Cruciate "i#aments ,lex knee to %77, palpate -uads to check relaxed,
check no pain in !oot and sit on it, rap hand round
$ack o! knee and pull and push#
enisci $!pley%s
#rindin# test&
8rip knee with knee $ent and mo3e !oot, grinding
sensation or pain indicates damage#