Symptoms and Test for Musculoskeletal Conditions

Osteoarthritis generally presents as asymmetrical joint stiffness and pain, often with bony protuberances (osteophytes) that are either palpable or visible on imaging. Symmetrical joint involvement is more typical in rheumatoid arthritis. Joints will present with signs of inflammation: redness, heat, pain, and swelling, due to the inflammatory nature of this condition.

The anterior drawer test of the knee checks for injury to or instability of the anterior cruciate ligament. During this test the patient lies supine position with knees bent to 90 degrees. The practitioner sits on the both feet of the subject and places both hands around the upper tibia of the patient's symptomatic leg, then pulls anteriorly on the proximal tibia. A positive finding would be excessive anterior translocation or a soft end-feel, indicating a sprain or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.