,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
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
focused 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, recognizing red flags for serious
conditions, and addressing patient concerns to
promote 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 details:
Onset: Sudden, 2 days ago, during a recreational
basketball game.
, Mechanism of Injury: Reports twisting his left
knee while pivoting to change direction, followed
by immediate sharp pain. No direct trauma, fall,
or contact injury.
Pain Characteristics:
Severity: 6/10 at rest, escalating to 8/10 with
weight-bearing activities (e.g., walking,
climbing stairs).
Quality: Sharp, localized to the medial aspect
of the left knee.
Timing: Constant, with exacerbations during
movement.
Aggravating Factors: Walking, stair climbing,
bending the knee, or any weight-bearing
activity.
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
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
focused 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, recognizing red flags for serious
conditions, and addressing patient concerns to
promote 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 details:
Onset: Sudden, 2 days ago, during a recreational
basketball game.
, Mechanism of Injury: Reports twisting his left
knee while pivoting to change direction, followed
by immediate sharp pain. No direct trauma, fall,
or contact injury.
Pain Characteristics:
Severity: 6/10 at rest, escalating to 8/10 with
weight-bearing activities (e.g., walking,
climbing stairs).
Quality: Sharp, localized to the medial aspect
of the left knee.
Timing: Constant, with exacerbations during
movement.
Aggravating Factors: Walking, stair climbing,
bending the knee, or any weight-bearing
activity.
