KNEE JOINT EXAMINATION

Knee Joint Examination

Definition: A knee joint examination is an assessment of the knee joint to identify potential injuries, disorders, or diseases.

Types of Knee Joint Examination:

• Primary knee joint examination: A basic examination to assess the knee joint's overall condition.
• Secondary knee joint examination: A more detailed examination to further assess the knee joint's condition, often after a primary examination.

Clinical Features:

• Pain: Knee pain is a common symptom, often described as a dull ache or sharp pain.
• Swelling: Swelling or edema in the knee joint can be a sign of injury or inflammation.
• Instability: Instability in the knee joint can be a sign of ligament damage or other injuries.
• Limited mobility: Reduced mobility or stiffness in the knee joint can be a sign of arthritis or other conditions.
• Locking or catching: Locking or catching sensations in the knee joint can be a sign of meniscal tears or other injuries.

Causes:

• Injuries: Knee injuries, such as sprains or strains, can cause pain and swelling in the knee joint.
• Arthritis: Arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the knee joint.
• Ligament damage: Ligament damage, such as ACL or PCL tears, can cause instability in the knee joint.
• Meniscal tears: Meniscal tears can cause locking or catching sensations in the knee joint.
• Tumors: Tumors, such as osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma, can cause pain and swelling in the knee joint.

Investigations:

• X-rays: X-rays can help diagnose bone fractures or deformities in the knee joint.
• MRI: MRI scans can help diagnose soft tissue injuries, such as ligament damage or meniscal tears.
• CT scans: CT scans can help diagnose bone fractures or deformities in the knee joint.
• Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a doctor to visualize the inside of the knee joint.

Complications:

• Arthritis: Untreated arthritis can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility in the knee joint.
• Ligament damage: Untreated ligament damage can lead to chronic instability in the knee joint.
• Meniscal tears: Untreated meniscal tears can lead to chronic locking or catching sensations in the knee joint.
• Tumors: Untreated tumors in the knee joint can lead to chronic pain and swelling.

Management:

• Conservative management: Conservative management may include pain relief medication, physical therapy, and bracing or splinting.
• Surgical management: Surgical management may include arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, meniscal repair, or tumor removal.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is an essential part of knee joint management, including physical therapy and exercise.

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines:

• Arnica montana: For pain and inflammation in the knee joint.
• Bellis perennis: For pain and swelling in the knee joint.
• Calendula officinalis: For pain and inflammation in the knee joint.
• Symphytum officinale: For pain and inflammation in the knee joint.

Blood Supply:

• The knee joint receives blood supply from the femoral artery and the popliteal artery.
• The femoral artery supplies blood to the anterior and medial aspects of the knee joint.
• The popliteal artery supplies blood to the posterior and lateral aspects of the knee joint.

Nerve Supply:

• The knee joint receives nerve supply from the femoral nerve and the tibial nerve.
• The femoral nerve supplies the anterior and medial aspects of the knee joint.
• The tibial nerve supplies the posterior and lateral aspects of the knee joint.

Clinical Anatomy:

• The knee joint is a synovial joint that connects the femur and the tibia.
• The joint is stabilized by four ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
• The menisci are two cartilage structures that provide cushioning and support to the joint.
• The joint capsule is a fibrous membrane that surrounds the joint and provides stability.