History and Examination of the Knee

Traditionally, examination of a joint involves the principle ‘look, feel, move’. Whilst this adage may still hold true for basic examination of the knee, the order and sequence of examination changes depending on the likely diagnosis suggested by the history. For example when examining a severely arthritic knee it is not necessary to examine for the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament or to palpate for signs of patella tendinopathy. A more targeted approach is called for.

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The article is expanded from a chapter written in 2009 for the new edition of the Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma.