Which structures are commonly palpated as part of knee examination?

Which structures are commonly palpated as part of knee examination?

• A. Patella and patellar tendon
• B. Lateral malleolus
• C. Calcaneus
• D. Acromion

Answer: (A)

During a knee examination, palpation focuses on the front part of the knee and its extensor mechanism. The patella and patellar tendon are routinely palpated because they are key structures for the knee’s extension: the patella sits in the trochlear groove and moves with knee flexion and extension, so feeling its borders and tracking helps detect tenderness, malalignment, or surface pathology; and the patellar tendon extends from the lower edge of the patella to the tibial tuberosity, where tenderness or thickening can indicate tendinopathy or a possible rupture. Tracking these structures also aids in identifying issues like crepitus, effusion, or synovial irritation around the joint. In contrast, the lateral malleolus sits at the ankle, the calcaneus is the heel bone, and the acromion is part of the shoulder blade. These landmarks are not routinely palpated in a standard knee exam, though they’re relevant when assessing other joints or injuries.

During a knee examination, palpation focuses on the front part of the knee and its extensor mechanism. The patella and patellar tendon are routinely palpated because they are key structures for the knee’s extension: the patella sits in the trochlear groove and moves with knee flexion and extension, so feeling its borders and tracking helps detect tenderness, malalignment, or surface pathology; and the patellar tendon extends from the lower edge of the patella to the tibial tuberosity, where tenderness or thickening can indicate tendinopathy or a possible rupture. Tracking these structures also aids in identifying issues like crepitus, effusion, or synovial irritation around the joint.

In contrast, the lateral malleolus sits at the ankle, the calcaneus is the heel bone, and the acromion is part of the shoulder blade. These landmarks are not routinely palpated in a standard knee exam, though they’re relevant when assessing other joints or injuries.