Special Tests for Knee Osteoarthritis

January 7, 2026

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint disorders, especially among middle-aged and elderly individuals. It occurs due to gradual wear and tear of the knee joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Early and accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.

Apart from X-rays and imaging studies, special clinical tests performed during physical examination help orthopedic specialists assess the severity, alignment, and functional impact of knee osteoarthritis. This blog explains the most important special tests for knee osteoarthritis, their clinical relevance, and why consulting Dr Deepak Mishra, the best orthopedic doctor in faridabad.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by:

Loss of cartilage
Joint space narrowing
Bone spur (osteophyte) formation
Inflammation of surrounding tissues

Patients commonly present with:

Knee pain during walking or climbing stairs
Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes
Crepitus (crackling sound)
Swelling and reduced range of motion

Why Special Tests Are Important in Knee Osteoarthritis

Special tests help doctors:

Differentiate osteoarthritis from ligament or meniscal injuries
Assess joint stability and alignment
Evaluate pain source and severity
Plan appropriate treatment (conservative vs surgical)

These tests are quick, non-invasive, and performed during clinical examination.

Key Special Tests for Knee Osteoarthritis

1. Patellofemoral Grind Test (Clarke’s Test)

Purpose:
Assesses degeneration of the patellofemoral joint (kneecap joint).

How It’s Done:
The examiner stabilizes the patella while asking the patient to contract the quadriceps muscle.

Positive Test:
Pain or discomfort indicates patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

Clinical Importance:
Common in patients with anterior knee pain and difficulty rising from sitting.

2. Crepitus Test

Purpose:
Detects rough joint surfaces due to cartilage loss.

How It’s Done:
The knee is passively flexed and extended while feeling for vibrations or sounds.

Positive Finding:
Grinding or crackling sensation during movement.

Clinical Importance:
A classic sign of advanced knee osteoarthritis.

3. Varus and Valgus Stress Test

Purpose:
Evaluates medial and lateral compartment involvement.

How It’s Done:
Stress is applied to the knee in both inward (varus) and outward (valgus) directions.

Positive Test:
Pain without excessive instability suggests compartmental osteoarthritis.

Clinical Importance:
Helps identify whether medial or lateral knee arthritis is dominant.

4. Range of Motion (ROM) Assessment

Purpose:
Measures stiffness and joint restriction.

How It’s Done:
Active and passive knee flexion and extension are examined.

Abnormal Finding:
Reduced extension or flexion compared to normal knee.

Clinical Importance:
Progressive limitation is a hallmark of worsening osteoarthritis.

5. Joint Line Tenderness Test

Purpose:
Identifies localized degeneration or osteophyte formation.

How It’s Done:
Gentle pressure is applied along the medial and lateral joint lines.

Positive Test:
Localized pain on palpation.

Clinical Importance:
Often correlates with radiological joint space narrowing.

6. Effusion Test (Bulge Sign / Patellar Tap)

Purpose:
Detects fluid accumulation due to inflammation.

How It’s Done:
Fluid movement is assessed around the patella.

Positive Test:
Visible or palpable fluid shift.

Clinical Importance:
Seen in inflammatory flare-ups of knee osteoarthritis.

7. Functional Tests (Gait & Squat Test)

Purpose:
Assesses real-life functional limitation.

Observations Include:

Antalgic gait (pain-avoiding walk)
Difficulty squatting or standing from sitting
Knee deformity (bow legs or knock knees)

Clinical Importance:
Helps determine disease impact on daily activities.

When Are Imaging Tests Needed?

Special tests guide clinical suspicion, but imaging confirms diagnosis:

X-ray: Gold standard for osteoarthritis diagnosis
MRI: Used when symptoms don’t match X-ray findings
CT Scan: For surgical planning in complex cases

Treatment Planning Based on Test Findings

Depending on clinical test results, treatment may include:

Lifestyle modification and weight management
Physiotherapy and muscle strengthening
Pain management and injections
Knee preservation procedures
Partial or total knee replacement surgery

Why Choose the Right Orthopedic Doctor Matters

Accurate interpretation of special tests requires experience. A skilled orthopedic doctor can differentiate osteoarthritis from ligament injuries, meniscal tears, or inflammatory arthritis—ensuring the right treatment at the right time.

Dr. Deepak Mishra – Best Orthopedic Doctor in Faridabad

When it comes to diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis, Dr. Deepak Mishra is widely regarded as the best orthopedic doctor in Faridabad. With extensive expertise in clinical evaluation, knee preservation techniques, and advanced knee replacement surgeries, he offers personalized, evidence-based care for every patient.

His approach focuses on:

Accurate diagnosis using clinical tests and imaging
Non-surgical management whenever possible
Advanced surgical solutions for severe osteoarthritis
Comprehensive rehabilitation and long-term joint care

Patients trust Dr. Deepak Mishra for his precision, experience, and patient-centric orthopedic care.

Conclusion

Special tests for knee osteoarthritis play a vital role in early detection, severity assessment, and treatment planning. When performed by an experienced orthopedic specialist, these tests help prevent disease progression and unnecessary surgery.

If you are experiencing chronic knee pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking, consulting an expert like Dr. Deepak Mishra, the best orthopedic doctor in Faridabad, can help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.