Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Knee Passive Range of Motion

🎬
Video coming soon

How to Perform

With the patient supine and relaxed, steady the thigh with one hand and cradle the heel in the other, and passively flex each knee by bringing the heel toward the buttock until the movement stops. Then passively straighten the knee and note whether it reaches full extension, with the upper hand over the front of the joint to feel for crepitus as the knee moves. Take each direction only to the point of resistance or discomfort rather than forcing it. Compare sides and note any pain or restriction.

How to Interpret

Showing 3 of 6 findings

Knee Osteoarthritis

Crepitus felt over the knee as the joint is moved
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
HelpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Restricted knee movement (reduced range of motion on examination)
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulNo CI
Rule out
Not helpfulNo CI
Evidence:Moderate

Meniscal Tear

Springy block to full passive knee extension
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming soon
Knee Active Range of Motion
Rule in:IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEKnee Effusion, IEKnee Fracture +2 more
Rule out:IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEKnee Effusion, IEKnee Fracture +2 more
🎬Video coming soon
Lower Extremity Inspection and Palpation
Rule in:VHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, VHKnee Osteoarthritis, HAchilles Tendon Rupture +7 more
Rule out:SHAchilles Tendon Rupture, SHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, SHKnee Osteoarthritis +7 more
🎬Video coming soon
Knee Anterior Drawer
Rule in:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Rule out:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
🎬Video coming soon
Knee Posterior Drawer
Rule in:VHPosterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Rule out:VHPosterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
🎬Video coming soon
Lachman
Rule in:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Rule out:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
🎬Video coming soon
McMurray Sign
aka McMurray test
Rule in:SHLateral Meniscus Tear, SHMedial Meniscus Tear
Rule out:HMedial Meniscus Tear, SHLateral Meniscus Tear

Related Systems / Regions

KneeLower ExtremitiesMusculoskeletal

Related Diagnoses

HemarthrosisKnee EffusionKnee OsteoarthritisLoose BodyMeniscal TearSeptic ArthritisSynovitis

Related Chief Complaints

Difficulty Bending the KneeDifficulty Straightening the KneeDifficulty WalkingFeverJoint PainKnee ClickingKnee Giving WayKnee InjuryKnee InstabilityKnee LockingKnee PainKnee StiffnessKnee SwellingPain with TwistingSwollen Knee

References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

  • Zhang W, Doherty M, Peat G, Bierma-Zeinstra MA, Arden NK, Bresnihan B, Herrero-Beaumont G, Kirschner S, Leeb BF, Lohmander LS, Mazières B, Pavelka K, Punzi L, So AK, Tuncer T, Watt I, Bijlsma JW. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(3):483-489. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.113100. PMID: 19762361.
  • Maricar N, Callaghan MJ, Parkes MJ, Felson DT, O'Neill TW. Clinical assessment of effusion in knee osteoarthritis - A systematic review. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2016;45(5):556-563. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.10.004. PMID: 26581486.
  • Fowler PJ, Lubliner JA. The predictive value of five clinical signs in the evaluation of meniscal pathology. Arthroscopy. 1989;5(3):184-186. doi:10.1016/0749-8063(89)90168-0. PMID: 2775390.
  • Margaretten ME, Kohlwes J, Moore D, Bent S. Does this adult patient have septic arthritis? JAMA. 2007;297(13):1478-1488. doi:10.1001/jama.297.13.1478. PMID: 17405973.
  • Hegedus EJ, Cook C, Hasselblad V, Goode A, McCrory DC. Physical examination tests for assessing a torn meniscus in the knee: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;37(9):541-550. doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.2560. PMID: 17939613.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.