Knee and Thigh Assessment

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the assessment of knee and thigh injuries, including clinical examination techniques, anatomy, and testing methods.

Genu Valgum

'knock knees', where the knees angle in and touch each other when standing.

Genu Varum

'bowlegs', where the knees are wide apart when standing.

Patella Alta

A condition where the kneecap sits higher than normal in relation to the femur.

Patella Baja

A condition where the kneecap sits lower than normal in relation to the femur.

Tibial Torsion

A rotational deformation of the tibia, classified as internal or external torsion based on the angle of rotation.

Normal End Feel

The sensation felt at the end of a joint's passive range of motion, usually classified as bone to bone, soft tissue approximation, or tissue stretch.

Abnormal End Feel

A sensation felt at the end of a joint's passive range of motion that indicates pathology, such as muscle spasm or 'mushy' tissue.

Deep Peroneal Nerve

A nerve that provides sensation to the first dorsal web space of the foot, tested in sensory examinations.

Superficial Peroneal Nerve

A nerve that innervates the dorsum of the foot and lateral aspect of the leg.

Tibial Nerve

A nerve that provides sensation to the posteromedial heel, important for lower limb assessments.

Capillary Refill Test

A clinical test used to assess vascular function by measuring the time it takes for color to return to a nail bed after pressure is applied.

Dorsalis Pedis Artery

A major artery located between the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus, important for assessing vascular health.

Popliteal Artery

A major artery located in the popliteal fossa behind the knee, also critical for checking blood flow in the leg.

Tibial Artery

The artery located just posterior to the medial malleolus, assessed during vascular examinations.

Frog Eyed Patella

A condition where the patella tilts outward, commonly found in certain knee pathologies.

Squinting Patella

A condition where the patella tilts inward, often associated with limb deformities.

Girth Measurements

A method to assess swelling and muscle size in different areas of the body, particularly in the context of injuries.

Flexion

~135 degrees

Extension

0 degrees

Medial Rotation

10-20 degrees.

Lateral Rotation

20-30 degrees.

Early Muscle Spasm

An abnormal end feel occurring during testing that indicates an immediate protective reaction of muscles.

Late Muscle Spasm

An abnormal end feel that occurs as a delayed muscle response due to pain or instability.

Bone to Bone End Feel

The sensation felt when two bony parts of a joint make contact, considered a normal end feel.

Protective Spasm

A muscle spasm that occurs following an injury as a natural protective mechanism.

Hard Capsular End Feel

A type of abnormal end feel indicative of joint stiffness and potential capsular tightness.

Soft Capsular End Feel

An end feel characteristic of conditions like joint swelling or effusion.

Empty End Feel

An abnormal end feel where movement cannot be completed due to pain, suggesting a serious injury.

Springy Block End Feel

An abnormal end feel typically associated with a meniscal tear or other intra-articular pathologies.