Acute knee injury. How to determine if the knee is stable.

Knee injuries are common in patients of all ages. A detailed history concerning the mechanism of injury and symptoms is helpful in establishing a tentative diagnosis, and the physical examination can easily provide confirmation. X-ray films occasionally are helpful, but stress views and arthrograms should not be relied on for definitive diagnosis. Arthroscopy may be required for definitive evaluation of internal derangement of the knee and can be used therapeutically in meniscal injuries and other problems. Proper rehabilitation is mandatory for a good outcome; therefore, physical therapy is essential regardless of whether conservative or surgical treatment is required. Proper muscle conditioning and use of braces such as the one described here may aid long-term prevention of knee injury.