1. Chapter 18:
The Knee

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Common Injuries
Patellofemoral problems
Patellar tendonitis
Fat pad syndrome
MCL sprain
LCL sprain
Torn ACL
Torn PCL
Meniscus tears
Epiphyseal injuries
Osgood-Schlatter condition
Iliotibial band syndrome
Fractures
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Knee Treatments
The knee joint can suffer from either traumatic or overuse injuries.
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Patella Taping
Apply cover roll skin tape across the patella and around the medial leg.
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Patella Taping (cont.)
After tape is secured to the patella, use one hand to lift the medial leg muscles. Use a medially directed pull on the tape to glide the patella medially.
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Fat Pad Unloading
Place cover roll skin tape in a V along the inferior borders of the fat pad.
Lift the fat pad upward while applying tension to the two short pieces of stretch tape.
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Special Tests
Certain tests can be performed that aid in the evaluation of injury.
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8. Patellar Tendonitis Test
With the subject sitting on the edge of a table and the knee at 90 degrees of flexion, tap the patellar tendon 1 to 3 times rapidly. Sharp pain is a positive sign.
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9. Patellar Dislocation Apprehension Test
Use both thumbs to apply gentle pressure medially across the joint. A positive sign is contraction of the quadriceps.
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10. Fat Pad Compression Test
Apply pressure to the proximal patellar tendon with the quadriceps contracted.
Apply pressure over the proximal patellar tendon with a relaxed tendon.
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Valgus Stress Test
With the leg at full extension, press laterally at the knee while holding the ankle. Greater movement than the uninjured side may indicate MCL damage.
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Varus Stress Test
With the leg at full extension, press medially at the knee while holding the ankle. Increased movement compared to the uninjured side indicates LCL damage.
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Lachman’s Maneuver
With the subject in a supine position, place a knee under the subject’s knee, allowing a 20 degree flexion. Stabilize the femur and pull the proximal tibia forward. Excessive movement indicates ACL damage.
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Anterior Drawer Test
With the athlete supine and the knee bent at 90 degrees, apply an anterior force to the proximal tibia. Excessive movement indicates ACL damage.
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Meniscal Tears
With the subject supine, apply internal and external tibial rotation while moving the knee from flexion to extension. Feeling a “click” is a positive sign.
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16. Iliotibial Band Syndrome 1
With the subject supine, passively flex and extend the knee while applying thumb pressure on the distal IT band. Pain at 20 to 30 degrees of flexion is a positive sign.
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17. Iliotibial Band Syndrome 2
Have the subject lie on the unaffected side, lifting the upper leg and moving it in a bicycle pattern while the examiner presses down on the leg. IT band pain is a positive sign.
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