Hip injury presenting as knee pain

Video lecture:
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Pitfall: Hip injury presenting as knee pain!

Referred pain is a critical concept in clinical practice, necessitating a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause. Common areas of referred pain include the hip and knee, where hip conditions can manifest as knee discomfort.

In pediatric patients, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) often presents with knee pain, making it essential to evaluate the hip. In the elderly, hip fractures can lead to medial knee pain, highlighting the need for careful assessment.

Clinical Pearl: Always examine the joints above and below the site of maximal pain. For instance, in older patients with medial knee pain, assess the hip through internal and external rotation. While chronic osteoarthritis may limit hip range of motion, a hip fracture should always be considered.