Knee Examination - Palpation

Palpation

An inflamed knee exhibits tumor (swelling), rubor (redness), calor (heat), dolor (pain). Swelling and redness should be evident by inspection. Pain is gained by history and heat by palpation.

• Temperature change - using the back of the hand one should feel the temperature of the knee below the patella, over the patella, and above the patella. Normally, the patella is cool relative to above and below the knee. A complete exam involves comparing the knees to one another.
• joint line tenderness - this is done by flexing the knee and palpating the joint line with the thumb.
• Effusions, test for
  • Patellar tap - useful for large effusions
  • Ballottement - defined as a palpatory technique for detecting or examining a floating object in the body
  • Bulge sign - useful for smaller effusions