clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
The patient with osteoarthritis of the knee is classically over 50 years of age, overweight, and may have a bow-leg deformity. There may be a progressive loss of movement and fixed flexion deformities. Pain is severe and is accentuated as the individual attempts to get moving after a period of inactivity. Swelling is common and locking may occur.
On examination, the quadriceps muscle is often wasted, there is no effusion or warmth, and there may be patellofemoral crepitus. Applying force to the patella elicits pain.