American College of Physicians 2013 Ohio Chapter Scientific Meeting Columbus, OH October 11, 2013 Paul J. Gubanich, MD, MPH Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine/Sports Medicine Team Physician, Ohio State University Athletics, Ohio Machine, Columbus City Schools
Disclosures I do not have a conflict of interest associated with the material contained in this presentation.
An Approach to the Patient with Knee Pain Most common complaints Pain Instability (ligament injury, OA) Stiffness (effusion, OA) Swelling Locking (meniscal) Weakness Most diagnosis made by: History Physical exam Imaging
Important Historical Components Age Chronology, onset Pain level, characteristics Exacerbating positions/ movements Relieving factors Activity level or recent change, occupation Previous injuries, surgeries Exercise history, goals Previous treatments
Chronology of Symptoms Acute Pain Sudden onset Specific mechanism of injury Direct trauma (fall, collision, MVA) Landing, pivoting Common acute injuries Fractures (distal femur, patella, proxmial tibia, fibula) Dislocations Meniscal injuries Ligamentous injuries Musculotendious strains Contusions
Chronic Pain Often lacks a mechanism of injury Symptoms of gradual onset Common causes of chronic knee pain Arthritis Tumors (night pain) Osteosarcoma (adolescents) Chondrosarcoma (adults) Giant cell tumor (benign) Metastatic disease is uncommon Sepsis (rare, can be bursal) Bursitis (overuse) Tendonitis Anterior knee pain
Location, Location, Location
Medial Knee Joint line meniscus, OA, osteochondral defect, osteonecrosis, medial collateral ligament Tibial plateau (osteoporosis, post menopausal) Pes bursa
Anterior Knee Anterior Quad tendon or insertion Anterior to patella Patella Patellar origin, tendon, insertion Tibial tubercle
Lateral Knee Pain Lateral Femoral condyle suggests IT band Joint line meniscus, OA, OCD, lateral collateral ligament
Posterior Knee Meniscus posterior medial, lateral corner Posterior lateral Baker s/popliteal cyst, aneurysm
Physical Exam Exam both sides Joint above and below Most painful part last Gait Alignment (varus, valgus) Squat Inspection Swelling Bruising Deformity
Palpation Effusion Range of Motion Patellar tracking Extension (-5 to 5) Flexion (135-145) Crepitus, etc. Strength Hamstring Quad Functional tests Physical Exam
Physical Exam Special Maneuvers Apprehension sign patellar instability Apley grind test meniscus McMurray circumduction test, SN 16-58% SP 77-98% (Evans 1993, Fowler 1989, Kurasaka 1999, Anderson 1986)
Physical Exam Special Maneuvers Valgus stress test MCL SN 86-96% Varus stress test LCL SN 25%
Physical Exam Special Maneuvers Lachman s ACL SN 80-99% (various authors and conditions)
Physical Exam Special Maneuvers Anterior/posterior drawer ACL/PCL Posterior Sag Sign
Radiology Plain x-rays often considered part of exam Helps rule out competing diagnosis X-ray views Standing AP views of both knees (for comparison) Lateral Tunnel at 45 degrees Merchant/Sunrise to evaluate PF joint
Radiology MRI often not needed initially Surgical planning tool Failure of treatment Identify ligamentous/cartilage injuries of acute or surgical nature Risk stratification
General Treatment Pearls Match disease severity/limitations with treatment options Escalate based on time, response in a stepwise fashion Set realistic expectations for progress and follow-up Align treatment goals with patient goals/expectations when possible Time is a great healer
Common Treatment Recommendations Activity modification, rest Mechanical devices braces, crutches, lifts, orthotics, etc. Ice, pain medication Nsaids Acetaminophen Others Physical therapy early motion progressing to strengthening and then functional drills Injection therapy Aspiration Corticosteroids Hyaluronic acid supplents (OA) Glucosamine (OA) Surgical considerations Consider additional imaging options as needed MRI Bone scan CT
Red Flags Night pain Abnormal x-ray findings Fractures, tumor, cartilage lesions, etc. Mechanical symptoms Severe pain, swelling, loss of motion, or weakness High grade ligament injuries Fail to respond to standard treatments Multiple joints involved (Rheum)
Summary History and Physical Exam are vital to generating a working differential diagnosis Imaging may complement/confirm working diagnosis Treatment should match symptoms and severity and progress based on progress Questions?