Geriatric knee disorders, Part I: Evaluative techniques.

It is important to remember that knee disorders seen in the elderly are distinctly different from those seen in the younger individual. In the elderly, the problems are generally the result of chronic processes and, occasionally, an acute process on top of a chronic disorder. A careful history and physical examination should enable the physician in most cases to make the correct diagnosis. However, at times, specific laboratory studies may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. In part I of this two-part review of geriatric knee disorders, the authors will focus on the anatomy, history, and physical examination of the knee joint. Common knee disorders specific to the elderly will be discussed in part II.