Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with chronic, insidious onset of left medial knee pain, exacerbated by weight-bearing activities, pivoting, and deep flexion. Denies acute trauma. Reports intermittent mechanical symptoms including catching, locking, and localized joint line tenderness. No history of instability or giving way. Symptoms are consistent with degenerative meniscal pathology.
Clinical Examination Findings
Left knee examination reveals localized tenderness along the medial joint line. Range of motion is full but painful at terminal flexion. McMurrayโs test is positive for medial joint line pain. Apleyโs compression test is positive. No significant effusion noted. Ligamentous stability testing (Lachman, Anterior/Posterior Drawer, Varus/Valgus stress) is negative, indicating intact ACL, PCL, and collateral ligaments. No signs of neurovascular compromise.
Treatment Protocol
Conservative management initiated: Activity modification to avoid deep squatting and pivoting, physical therapy focusing on quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed. Consider intra-articular corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injection if symptoms persist. Surgical consultation for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy reserved for patients failing conservative therapy.