Module 13, General Medical Level

This is a 14 year old male who presented to the emergency room complaining of left knee pain after falling off his bicycle. Examination reveals a swollen left knee. The skin was intact. There was tenderness to palpation diffusely about the knee. Valgus stress at full extension and at 30 degrees revealed an increased laxity on the left. Anterior draw and Lachman tests were also asymmetric with an increased excursion on the left. Neurovascular exam was unremarkable.

Question 13A

The laxity in this boy's knee is due to a ligament tear.

Question 13B

This is a displaced fracture of the knee.

Question 13C

A fall off of a bicycle is common cause of this injury.

Question 13D

Because of the pattern of twisting of the knee which causes this injury, a careful evaluation of the ankle should also be performed to make sure there is not associated ankle fracture.

Question 13E

This injury has a high incidence of long term permanent impairment.