[Current concepts in the diagnosis of knee injuries]

The exact diagnosis of affections of the knee is most important, especially of the capsulo-ligamentous lesions. To-day more and more younger patients are suffering from knee-instability. The modern possibilities of operative reconstruction lead to excellent results if the operation is performed at an optimal date. During the last years progress also was achieved concerning the knowledge of the mechanics and the pathophysiology of the knee. New methods of clinical investigation and new clinical findings were possible. Specific tests for the diagnosis of instability of the anterior cruciate ligament have to be emphasized. These tests are specially important if there is only an insufficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament which cannot be proven by the other clinical findings. X-ray examination is necessary to search for a fracture or an avulsion of the bone. In all other problems the exact clinical examination leads to the diagnosis.