Knee injuries are among the most reported sports injuries.[1] [2] [3] A 2017 study reported that the knee is the third most common site of ligamentous injuries.[4] Many can be treated conservatively with rest, ice, immobilization, and physical therapy. The aim of initial assessment is to identify any neurological or vascular compromise, which could require urgent surgery, then to establish the likely nature of the injury through a focused history and examination.
Summary
Acute knee injuries
By most definitions, acute knee injuries are defined as being diagnosed within the first 30 to 42 days of the injury or onset of symptoms.
Chronic knee injuries
Chronic knee injuries are due to residual old trauma or surgery, existing degenerative diseases, or previous conditions not resolved within the first 30 to 42 days after the onset.
Library
First dorsal web space sensation testing (common peroneal nerve)
Lateral foot sensation testing (superficial peroneal nerve)
Extensor hallucis longus strength testing
Small toe extensors strength testing
Foot eversion strength testing
Dorsiflexion strength testing
Medial foot sensation (saphenous nerve)
Plantar flexion strength testing
Foot inversion strength testing
Quadriceps strength testing
Hamstring strength testing
Hip external rotation
Hip internal rotation
Log rolling test
Deep flexion of the knee
External rotation recurvatum test
Palpation of medial plica
Palpation of inferior pole of patella
Palpation of pes anserine bursae
Palpation of prepatellar bursae
Palpation of superior pole of patella
Palpation of semimembranosus bursa
Lateral patellar translation
Medial patellar translation
Rolling superior and inferior poles of patella within trochlear groove
Rolling superior and inferior poles of patella within trochlear groove
Palpation of lateral patellar fat pad
Palpation of medial patellar fat pad
Lachman test
Pivot shift test
Valgus stress test
Palpation of meniscofemoral MCL
Palpation of meniscotibial MCL
Palpation of the biceps femoris bursae
Varus stress test
Posterolateral drawer test
Palpation of tibial tubercle
Dial test at 30° knee flexion in prone position
Dial test at 30° knee flexion in supine position
Dial test at 90° knee flexion in prone position
Dial test at 90° knee flexion in supine position
Reverse pivot shift test
Figure 4 test
Posterior drawer test
Posterior sag sign
Quadriceps active test
Citations
Expert Panel on Musculoskeletal Imaging, Taljanovic MS, Chang EY, et al. ACR appropriateness criteria® acute trauma to the knee. J Am Coll Radiol. 2020 May;17(5s):S12-25.[Abstract][Full Text]
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