After acute knee injury, an X-ray is indicated if any of these are present:
- Age 55 or older
- Isolated tenderness of the patella
- Tenderness at the head of the fibula
- Inability to flex the knee to 90°
- Inability to bear weight for 4 steps, both right after the injury and in the emergency department
USA Knee Exam: Quick Facts
- Sequence
- Inspect → palpate → ROM → special tests
- Normal flexion
- ~135°
- ACL test
- Lachman (most sensitive)
- Also check
- Hip and neurovascular status
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