Comprehensive Clinical Examination

Abstract A comprehensive clinical examination of the knee serves as the foundation for building a treatment plan for complex knee injuries. The clinician may use this opportunity to establish a relationship with the patient and build trust. Further, the examination will help develop a preliminary diagnosis and supports the ordering of routine and advanced imaging studies. Careful documentation in standardised fashion will serve as a baseline and allow future comparison during the treatment process. Key elements of the examination include visual inspection, palpation, neurovascular assessment, range-of-motion evaluation, ligamentous testing and dynamic evaluation via gait or more advanced activities if able. A standardised approach is presented along with evidence for basic and advanced concepts.