Knee Injuries & Assessment

When assessing a knee injury, why is determining the mechanism of injury important?

• It helps in planning the rehabilitation process.

• It is critical for understanding the injury.

• It is only necessary for chronic injuries.

• It determines the type of medication required.

Which of the following is NOT a question to ask about the history of a current knee injury?

• Did the knee collapse?

• Did swelling occur?

• What did you have for breakfast the day you injured your knee?

• Where was the pain?

Match the following assessments with the one that is NOT assessed during the observation of a knee injury.

• Consideration for potential muscle impact due to knee injury

• Swelling, ecchymosis

• Not typically assessed during a knee injury observation

• Walking, half-squatting, going up and down stairs

• Common physical signs checked during a knee injury observation

• Assessment of muscle symmetry/atrophy

• Assessment typically included in a knee injury observation

• Blood pressure

What should be assessed when palpating for a knee injury?

• Bony structures for deformity and/or pain

• Soft tissue only

• Reflexes

• Skin temperature

Which of the following is NOT part of the soft tissue assessment during palpation for a knee injury?

• Lateral ligaments

• Joint line

• Menisci

• Blood vessels

What is a possible mechanism of injury for a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) sprain?

• Torsion or Rotational force

• Result of severe blow or outward twist – valgus force

• Overuse

• Repeated blunt trauma

Which of the following is a sign of a Grade I Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain?

• Complete tear of supporting ligaments and loss of medial stability

• Partial tear of superficial layer of MCL, No gross instability; slight laxity

• Little fiber tearing or stretching

• Minimum to moderate swelling, Immediate pain followed by ache

What is the recommended treatment for a Grade I Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain?

• Conservative non-operative approach for isolated grade 2 and 3 injuries

• Crutches if necessary

• RICE for at least 24 hours

• A knee immobilizer may be applied

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of knee injury listed in the document?

• Stress

• Shearing

• Torsion or Rotational

• Compression

What does RICE stand for in the context of treating a Grade I Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain? (a)  

• Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• Rest, Immobilization, Cold, Elevati
• Rest, Ice, Compression, Exercise
• Rest, Ice, Cold, Elevation