Capsular ligament injuries of the knee joint. Significance of anamnesis and findings

: Despite the enormous developments in imaging procedures, the patient's history and clinical examination remain the basis for the diagnosis of fresh injuries to the knee. The description of the mechanisms of the accident as revealed by the case history already provides important clues. The clinical examination must cover all the anatomical detection of lesions of individual parts of the capsular ligaments. With an appropriate knowledge of anatomy, and adequate experience in performing the examination, the general physician (with no specialized orthopedic knowledge) can obtain a good idea of the nature and severity of the injury.