Patient:Reason For Encounter ;Acute Left Knee
The case you're referring to involves Cyrus Horton, a 57-year-old male construction worker who
presented with acute left knee pain following a twisting injury sustained while stepping off a ladder at
work. This case is part of the i-Human simulation series, specifically Week #2, Class 6531.(Course Hero)
Patient Overview
• Name: Cyrus Horton
• Age: 57
• Occupation: Construction Worker
• Chief Complaint: Acute left knee pain for 2 days
• History:
o Smoker (1 pack/day for 35 years)
o Occasional alcohol use
o History of hypertension, controlled with medication
o No known allergies(Course Hero)
History of Present Illness
• Onset: Sudden, 2 days prior
• Location: Left knee
, • Duration: Continuous since onset
• Characteristics: Sharp, throbbing pain
• Aggravating Factors: Weight-bearing, movement, bending the knee
• Relieving Factors: Rest, elevation, ice application
• Associated Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, limited range of motion
• No history of previous knee injuries(Course Hero)
Physical Examination
• Vital Signs:
o Blood Pressure: 138/86 mmHg
o Heart Rate: 78 bpm
o Respiratory Rate: 16 breaths per minute
o Temperature: 98.6°F (37°C)
o Oxygen Saturation: 98% on room air
o BMI: 27.5 kg/m²
• General Appearance: No acute distress
• Musculoskeletal:
o Swelling and tenderness localized to the left knee
o Limited range of motion due to pain
o No other joint involvement(Course Hero)
Differential Diagnosis
Based on the patient's history and physical examination, potential diagnoses include:
• Meniscal Tear: Common in twisting injuries; presents with joint line tenderness and swelling.
• Ligamentous Injury: Such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament
(MCL) tear.
• Patellar Dislocation or Fracture: Can occur with direct trauma or twisting motions.
• Osteoarthritis Flare: Less likely given the acute onset and mechanism of injury.(Complete
Orthopedics)
Recommended Diagnostic Workup
• Imaging: