Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
08:43
Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
Published on: July 7, 2016
[Clinical examination for patellofemoral problems].
1Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinik Bonn, Siegmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Deutschland. geert.pagenstert@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Der Orthopade
|August 23, 2008
Summary
Patellofemoral pain, a common sports injury, often lacks precise diagnosis due to complex biomechanics. This review offers a standardized physical exam algorithm with quantifiable findings for better patellofemoral disorder assessment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Context:
- Patellofemoral pain and instability represent 25% of sports-related knee injuries.
- Current diagnostic terminology (e.g., anterior knee pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome) lacks specificity.
- The complex biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint, influenced by the entire lower extremity, complicate diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To review and analyze commonly used signs and functional tests for patellofemoral disorders.
- To establish a standardized, practical algorithm for physical examination of the patellofemoral joint.
- To identify quantifiable findings for improved diagnostic accuracy.
Summary:
- A MEDLINE search and textbook review identified 43 signs and tests for patellofemoral disorders.
- Of these, 18 findings can be quantified on a nominal scale and 15 on an ordinal scale.
- The manuscript presents a structured physical examination protocol incorporating these quantifiable measures.
Impact:
- Provides a standardized algorithm for physical examination of patellofemoral pain and instability.
- Offers a collection of quantifiable findings to enhance diagnostic precision.
- Facilitates more adequate diagnostics and targeted treatment strategies for patellofemoral disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...
01:23Knee Joint
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
01:05Data Collection III
The physical assessment examines the patient for objective data that defines the patient's condition, and aids in formulating the nursing care plan. The purpose of physical assessment is a health status appraisal, which includes identifying health problems, and establishing a database for nursing intervention.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...