The evaluation of a knee injury begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings of a minor injury may include:

• Mild knee tenderness
• Mild knee swelling
• Mild knee bruising
• Normal walking
• Normal range of motion
• Skin wound:
• Laceration
• Puncture wound
• Abrasion

Physical findings of a severe knee injury may include:

• Knee bruising
• Decreased range of motion in the injured knee
• Knee deformity
• Inability to stand
• Numbness in the leg below the knee
• Knee swelling
• Tenderness over the bones of the knee
• Weakness in the lower leg or foot

Tests are necessary to confirm this diagnosis.

Tests may include

• Knee x-ray
• Arthroscopy
• Bone scan
• MRI scan of the knee

For more information:

• Knee fracture evaluation
• Knee dislocation evaluation
• Knee contusion evaluation
• Knee sprain evaluation
• Patellar tendon rupture evaluation
• Quadriceps tendon rupture evaluation