Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Knee Strength
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Video coming September 2026
How to Perform
Test knee strength against resistance in flexion and extension, comparing sides. Grade strength and note any pain or give-way weakness.
How to Interpret
Showing 0 of 8 findings
This test’s findings are all below your current evidence filter.
References
Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.
- Bertilson BC, Brosjö E, Billing H, Strender LE. Assessment of nerve involvement in the lumbar spine: agreement between magnetic resonance imaging, physical examination and pain drawing findings. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010;11:202. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-11-202. PMID: 20831785.
- Al Nezari NH, Schneiders AG, Hendrick PA. Neurological examination of the peripheral nervous system to diagnose lumbar spinal disc herniation with suspected radiculopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine J. 2013 Jun;13(6):657-674. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2013.02.007. PMID 23499340.
- Boutefnouchet T. The Fixed Patella Test: a reliable and accurate test for detecting quadriceps tendon rupture. Cureus. 2025;17(10):e93717. doi:10.7759/cureus.93717. PMID: 41181756. (Closest candidate; studied a different sign.)
- Stone J, Warlow C, Sharpe M. The symptom of functional weakness: a controlled study of 107 patients. Brain. 2010 May;133(Pt 5):1537-1551. doi:10.1093/brain/awq068. PMID 20395262.
- 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.
Related Diagnoses
Related Chief Complaints
Anterior Thigh PainBack PainCannot Extend the KneeDifficulty Climbing StairsFront of Thigh PainGroin Pain Radiating to the ThighKnee BucklingKnee Gave Way After a FallLeg Gives WayLeg NumbnessLeg PainLeg WeaknessNumbness Over the Front of the ThighSciaticaShooting Leg PainTingling in the LegUnable to Straighten the KneeWeak Knee ExtensionWeak Quadriceps
Related Systems / Regions
Related Bedside Tests
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Hip Strength
Rule in:VHLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHCushing Syndrome, ICGluteal Tendinopathy +6 more
Rule out:HLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHGluteal Tendinopathy, NHCushing Syndrome +6 more
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Patellar Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Knee jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHLumbosacral Radiculopathy, IECerebellar Disease +5 more
Rule out:SHPeripheral Neuropathy, ICLumbosacral Radiculopathy, IECerebellar Disease +5 more
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Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Ankle jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, ICHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
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Calf Circumference
Rule in:HLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHSarcopenia, MHDeep Vein Thrombosis +1 more
Rule out:SHSarcopenia, MHDeep Vein Thrombosis, MHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +1 more
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Straight Leg Raise
aka Lasègue sign
Rule in:SHLumbosacral Radiculopathy, NHLumbar Disc Herniation, IECauda Equina Syndrome
Rule out:SHLumbar Disc Herniation, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy, IECauda Equina Syndrome
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Gait Assessment
Rule in:VHStroke, HFalls, HVascular Parkinsonism +24 more
Rule out:SHDementia, SHVascular Parkinsonism, MHFalls +24 more
