There are many reasons why knee pain may occur in the adult knee. It is the duty of the clinician to obtain a proper history, which in most cases will provide vital clues in defining the right diagnosis. It is important to get answers to the following questions:

1. Did the pain/discomfort start gradually or did the patient sustain an injury.

2. What type of pain/discomfort is the patient complaining of (sharp, dull, burning, tightness)?

3. Is the pain depending on certain activities (things patients can and cannot do)?

4. Can the pain be relieved?

5. Are there other symptoms apart from pain present (instability, locking, giving way, stiffness)?

Answers to these questions often lead to a provisional diagnosis. Further investigations may be required and may include Radiographs, Computer Tomograhy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Unltrasound, KinCom etc.

Radiographs are excellent in establishing significant degrees of arthritis and joint deformity, whilst MRI scan allow judgement on the integrity of soft tissue structures such as cruciate ligaments and menisci. Functional test like the KT-2000 test help to assess joint stability whilst a KinCom test provides information on muscle activity and strength.