,i-Human Case Study: Acute Left Knee Pain in a 57-Year-Old
Male (Week 1)Patient Information
Name: Douglas Bell
Age: 57 years
Gender: Male
Chief Complaint: Acute left knee pain for 2 days
Setting: Primary care clinic
Date and Time: July 16, 2025, 09:15 AM EAT
Case OverviewThis case focuses on the evaluation of a 57-year-
old male presenting with acute left knee pain following a
twisting injury during recreational basketball. The objectives are
to guide learners through a comprehensive clinical assessment,
including obtaining a detailed history, performing a targeted
physical exam, formulating a broad differential diagnosis,
,selecting appropriate diagnostic tests, and developing an
evidence-based management plan. The case emphasizes
distinguishing traumatic from non-traumatic causes of knee
pain, identifying red flags for serious conditions, and addressing
patient concerns to optimize recovery and prevent
complications.
Case DetailsHistory of Present Illness (HPI)Douglas Bell, a 57-
year-old male, presents to the primary care clinic with a 2-day
history of acute left knee pain. He provides the following
detailed history:
Onset: Sudden onset 2 days ago (July 14, 2025) during a
recreational basketball game.
Mechanism of Injury: Reports twisting his left knee while
pivoting to avoid an opponent, followed by immediate
, sharp pain. No direct trauma, fall, or contact with another
player.
Pain Characteristics:
Severity: 6/10 at rest, escalating to 8/10 with weight-
bearing or movement (e.g., walking, stair climbing).
Quality: Sharp, localized to the medial aspect of the
left knee, with occasional aching at rest.
Timing: Constant pain, worse with activity.
Aggravating Factors: Weight-bearing activities
(walking, standing), bending the knee, or climbing
stairs.
Alleviating Factors: Rest, ice, elevation, and ibuprofen
reduce pain to approximately 4/10.
Associated Symptoms:
Male (Week 1)Patient Information
Name: Douglas Bell
Age: 57 years
Gender: Male
Chief Complaint: Acute left knee pain for 2 days
Setting: Primary care clinic
Date and Time: July 16, 2025, 09:15 AM EAT
Case OverviewThis case focuses on the evaluation of a 57-year-
old male presenting with acute left knee pain following a
twisting injury during recreational basketball. The objectives are
to guide learners through a comprehensive clinical assessment,
including obtaining a detailed history, performing a targeted
physical exam, formulating a broad differential diagnosis,
,selecting appropriate diagnostic tests, and developing an
evidence-based management plan. The case emphasizes
distinguishing traumatic from non-traumatic causes of knee
pain, identifying red flags for serious conditions, and addressing
patient concerns to optimize recovery and prevent
complications.
Case DetailsHistory of Present Illness (HPI)Douglas Bell, a 57-
year-old male, presents to the primary care clinic with a 2-day
history of acute left knee pain. He provides the following
detailed history:
Onset: Sudden onset 2 days ago (July 14, 2025) during a
recreational basketball game.
Mechanism of Injury: Reports twisting his left knee while
pivoting to avoid an opponent, followed by immediate
, sharp pain. No direct trauma, fall, or contact with another
player.
Pain Characteristics:
Severity: 6/10 at rest, escalating to 8/10 with weight-
bearing or movement (e.g., walking, stair climbing).
Quality: Sharp, localized to the medial aspect of the
left knee, with occasional aching at rest.
Timing: Constant pain, worse with activity.
Aggravating Factors: Weight-bearing activities
(walking, standing), bending the knee, or climbing
stairs.
Alleviating Factors: Rest, ice, elevation, and ibuprofen
reduce pain to approximately 4/10.
Associated Symptoms:
