Sports knee assessment considers the injury mechanism, swelling, movement, stability, strength, associated damage and the physical demands of sport, work and everyday life. Imaging may support the diagnosis where clinically useful.
Rehabilitation is central to both surgical and non-surgical care. Return to activity is progressed according to recovery, strength, control and functional testing rather than a date alone.
Prompt assessment is important when a knee is locked, significantly unstable, badly swollen, deformed or unable to bear weight.