Which exam finding is typical in knee OA?

Which exam finding is typical in knee OA?

• A. Extension restricted more than flexion
• B. Normal strength
• C. Flexion restricted more than extension
• D. Increased range of motion

Answer: (C)

In knee OA, the pattern of motion loss reflects the degenerative changes around the joint. The cartilage wears, osteophytes form, and the joint reacts with mild effusion and soft-tissue tightness, all of which tend to impede bending the knee more than straightening it. So flexion becomes limited while extension remains relatively preserved in early to mid-stage disease. This means patients often have trouble deep-knee bending or squatting, but can still straighten the leg, with extension becoming restricted only in more advanced, fixed-flexion deformities. Strength can be affected by disuse or pain, but the characteristic exam finding is greater restriction of flexion than of extension.

In knee OA, the pattern of motion loss reflects the degenerative changes around the joint. The cartilage wears, osteophytes form, and the joint reacts with mild effusion and soft-tissue tightness, all of which tend to impede bending the knee more than straightening it. So flexion becomes limited while extension remains relatively preserved in early to mid-stage disease. This means patients often have trouble deep-knee bending or squatting, but can still straighten the leg, with extension becoming restricted only in more advanced, fixed-flexion deformities. Strength can be affected by disuse or pain, but the characteristic exam finding is greater restriction of flexion than of extension.