Differential Diagnosis Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain Verses Chondromalacia

Patella Syndrome

Medial Collateral Ligament Chondromalacia Patellae

Sprain
History -How did the injury happen?
Questions -Where is the pain?
-Can you describe that pain to
me? What does it feel like to
you?
-Was there any clinking or
popping when the injury
occurred?
-What aggravates your pain?
-What improves your pain?
Observations Swelling
Syndrome
-How did the injury happen?
-Where is the pain?
-Can you describe that pain
to me? What does it feel like
to you?
-Was there any clinking or
popping when the injury
occurred?
-What aggravates your pain?
-What improves your pain?
-Do you do any repetitive
movements?
-Is there any pain on
squatting?
-Is there any noise or
crepitus in the joint?

Active
Movements
Passive Difficulty fully extending the
Movements knee
Resisted Weak
Isometric
Movements
Special Tests Thessaly test Thesally test
Stroke test Toe and heel walking
Valgus stress test Patellar grind test
McMurray test Stroke test
Apley compression test Squat test
Apley distraction test Step test
McConnel test
VMO stabilization test
Sensation
Reflexes
Joint Play
Movements

Diagnostic
Imaging

Management Plan:
Test INTERPRETATION/WHAT TISSUE STRUCTURE DOES THIS TEST
LOAD? For you to complete

This maneuver is designed to provoke symptoms by striking the heel of the foot,
which sends a large vibratory/compression force through the limb and stimulates the
Anvil Test
injured site. 

Scour Test This test approximates the acetabulofemoral joint structures which may be irritated
in the presence of hip pathologies.

Ober’s Test Ober’s test accesses the tensor fasciae latae (iliotibial band) for contracture

Lachman’s Test The test is designed to assess single and sagittal plane instability. Pulling the tibia
anteriorly, a torn ACL will create a forward translational movement of the tibia on
the femur. 

Apley’s Grind This maneuver is designed so that in distraction of the knee, pressure is taken off

Test the meniscus, while putting strain on the collateral ligaments and vice-versa during
compression.

Thessaly Test This test is designed to compress the meniscus

Anterior Drawer This procedure is used to test the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Test