Injury/Chief Complaint:
The patient presents with a left knee injury, specifically a suspected meniscal tear.
Referred by:
Referred by Dr. Jane Smith.
Dr. Jane Smith, GP.
Current Health Practitioners Involved in Care:
- Specialist – Nil involved in care
- General Practitioner – Dr. Thomas Kelly, 123 Main Street, Anytown
- Physiotherapist – Nil involved in care
- Exercise Physiologist – Nil involved in care
- Chiropractor – Nil involved in care
Occupational History:
- Software Engineer, work commenced 2010, ongoing
Sport and Recreational History:
- Soccer, amateur, 2 sessions per week, next competition details: None
Dietary History:
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and nuts
- Morning tea: Apple and a handful of almonds
- Lunch: Salad with grilled chicken
- Afternoon tea: Yoghurt
- Dinner: Salmon with roasted vegetables
- Supper: None
- Snacks: Occasionally crisps
Supplements:
- Multivitamin, daily, self-initiated
- Vitamin D, daily, self-initiated
- No HASTA/Informed Sport/GlobalDRO certification or Therapeutic Use Exemption applied for.
History of Present Condition:
- The patient reports a sudden onset of left knee pain while playing soccer. The pain was immediate and sharp.
- Associated symptoms include swelling and a clicking sensation in the knee.
- Impact on ADLs: Difficulty with walking and squatting.
- Impact on sport/recreation: Unable to participate in soccer.
- Treatments/interventions already trialled: RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) with minimal improvement.
Injury Mechanism and Timeline:
- Date of injury: 20 October 2024
- Mechanism of injury: Acute, twisting injury during soccer game.
- Timeline of symptom exacerbation: Symptoms have been consistent since the injury.
- Associated symptoms: Clicking, locking sensation during movement.
Previous Treatments (Rx):
- October 2024, RICE protocol, None, 7 days, minimal response, ongoing
Investigation History:
- MRI knee, left, 25 October 2024, Anytown Radiology
- Radiologist’s summary: Suspected meniscal tear.
Past Medical History:
- Nil
Medications:
- Ibuprofen 400mg, as needed for pain
- Nil herbal/OTC supplements
Allergies:
- Penicillin - hives
Social History:
- Smoker: No
- Alcohol use: Socially, 2-3 drinks per week
- Recreational drug use: No
- Living situation: Lives with partner
Family History:
- Father: Hypertension
Review of Systems:
- No other symptoms reported.
Physical Examination:
General:
- Well-appearing, vital signs stable.
HEENT:
- Normal.
Neck:
- Normal.
Cardiovascular:
- Normal.
Respiratory:
- Normal.
Abdomen:
- Normal.
Extremities:
- Left knee: Swelling, tenderness to palpation along the medial joint line, positive McMurray's test.
Neurological:
- Normal.
Skin:
- Normal.
Diagnosis:
- Suspected meniscal tear, left knee.
- Differential diagnoses: Meniscal tear, ligamentous injury, patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Treatment Plan:
1. Further investigations: None
2. Rehabilitation protocol: Referral to physiotherapist for strengthening and neuromuscular control exercises.
3. Medications prescribed: Ibuprofen 400mg, as needed for pain.
4. Referrals made: Physiotherapist, Dr. Anne Brown, appointment date: 08 November 2024.
5. Follow-up appointment details: 2 weeks, with Dr. Thomas Kelly.
6. Plan if current management fails to achieve desired outcome: Consider referral to orthopaedic surgeon.