Knee Examination: Tools and Techniques Used by Doctors

When a doctor examines your knee, they may use a variety of instruments and techniques to assess your condition and symptoms. Tools that a doctor may use to examine a patient’s knee include:

- Ophthalmoscope: A lighted instrument used to examine the inside of the eye, including the retina.

- Otoscope: A lighted instrument used to examine the ear canal and eardrum.

- Nasal speculum: A device used to widen the nostrils to allow for better visualization of the nasal passages.

- Laryngeal mirror: A small, handheld mirror used to reflect light into the larynx and allow for visualization of the vocal cords.

- Tongue depressor: A flat, blunt instrument used to depress the tongue to allow for better visualization of the throat.

- Percussion hammer: A small, rubber-tipped hammer used to tap on the body to elicit sounds that can indicate the presence of underlying medical conditions.

- Blood pressure cuff: A device used to measure blood pressure.

- Stethoscope: A device used to listen to sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and other organs.

In addition to using these instruments, a doctor will also ask you questions about your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and order imaging tests or laboratory tests as necessary to determine the cause of your knee pain and the best course of treatment.