Large Joint Examination

Last Updated on February 23, 2019 by FRCEM Intermediate

Knee Injury

Mechanism of Injury

PCL Injury: Anterior force applied to the proximal tibia with the knee in flexion (e.g., when the knee hits the dashboard in an automobile accident).
ACL: Quick stops and sharp cuts or turns create significant deceleration forces that can sprain or rupture the ACL.
Hyperextension can result in injury to the ACL or PCL.
Medial collateral ligament: injured as a result of direct lateral force to the knee (e.g., clipping in football).
lateral collateral ligament: Conversely, a medial blow that creates a varus load can injure the lateral collateral ligament.
Meniscus: Sudden twisting or pivoting motions create shear forces that can injure the meniscus.

Examination:

Rotator cuff

Examinations:

Testing for Rotator Cuff

Supraspinatus: Empty can test
Infraspinatus: External rotation lag sign
Subscapularis: Internal rotation lag sign test, Gerbers lift off
test, Belly press sign