MSK - Knee Exam

WEEK5-MSK

Name of Student Date:

Examination of the Knee
1. Observe the patient’s gait (including stance and swing)

2. Inspect the knee while sitting

3. Palpate the quadriceps tendon where it inserts into the patella

4. Palpate alongside the patellar tendon. Note the position of the patella, just above the tibiofemoral joint line. Palpate the patellar tendon to the
tibial tuberosity. Extend the knee to assess the integrity of the patellar tendon.

5. Palpate the tibial plateau and follow it medially and laterally. Palpate the medial meniscus above the tibial plateau while the knee is slightly
internally rotated. Palpate the lateral meniscus while the knee is slightly flexed.

6. Palpate the medial compartment: medial femoral condyle, adductor tubercle, medial tibial plateau, & medial collateral ligament

7. Palpate the lateral compartment: lateral femoral condyle, lateral tibial plateau, lateral collateral ligament (cross leg with ankle on opposite knee)

8. Compress the patella and move it medially and laterally on the femur

9. Patellar Apprehension Test: knee is extended; pressure to push patella laterally

10. Patellofemoral grinding test (‘pt.’ supine and knee extended; active tightening of the quads so the patella moves in the trochlear groove)

11. Identify the suprapatellar pouch by moving toward the pouch with your hand (thumb and fingers) starting well proximal

12. Palpate the prepatellar and anserine bursae

13. Palpate the popliteal fossa

14. Bulge sign: “milk” the knee downward and apply medial pressure. Then, tap
laterally to feel for a fluid wave.

15. Balloon sign: right thumb and index finger @ each side of the patella. Left hand compresses suprapatellar pouch to push fluid into the space felt
by the right digits.

16. Observe knee flexion, extension, internal rotation, & external rotation

17. McMurray Test

18. Abduction (Valgus) Stress Test

19. Adduction (Varus) Stress Test

20. Anterior Drawer Sign

21. “(Modified) Lachman Test” (Note: can place towel or knee under popliteal fossa.)

22. Posterior Drawer Sign

23. Sag Sign: Patient is supine with hips and knees flexed initially. Extend the hip and knee to observe sagging of knee posteriorly.