October 14, 2025

knee physical exam orthopedics
Lower Extremity, Nerves

The Hip Physical Exam: A Tissue-Type Mindset for Precise Diagnosis

A great hip exam starts before you touch the patient—with your mindset. Approaching complaints by tissue type (skin, subcutis, fascia, muscle, tendon, ligament, bursa/capsule) versus orthopedic structures (bone, joint, cartilage, labrum, nerves) helps you form a tighter differential, choose the right procedures (e.g., peritendinous vs intra-articular), and even anticipate accurate documentation and codes.

Lower Extremity

The Step-by-Step Knee Physical Exam: A Practical Guide

Unlock the secrets to an effective knee physical exam with our step-by-step guide! Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or a student, mastering this structured approach will help you identify the root cause of knee pain—be it articular, ligamentous, meniscal, or neuro-myofascial. From standing inspections to detailed palpation maps, each step is designed to enhance your diagnostic skills. Discover essential techniques like the Lachman test and McMurray maneuver, and learn how foot mechanics can influence knee health. Dive into our practical guide and elevate your clinical practice today!

Lower Extremity, Nerves

Differentiating Medial Knee Pain: Infrapatellar Saphenous vs. Inferior Medial Genicular Nerves

Patients often report focal tenderness over the medial tibial plateau/infrapatellar area, where both IPS (superficial, cutaneous) and IMGN (deep, capsular) converge clinically. Palpation alone can be inconclusive; you may elicit tenderness over the pes anserine region, MCL, or along the saphenous track to the medial malleolus without confidently assigning the driver.

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