Differential Diagnosis of Knee Pain with a Catching Sensation
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): This condition is characterized by pain around or behind the patella, often associated with activities that load the patellofemoral joint, such as climbing stairs, squatting, or jumping. The catching sensation can be due to the patella tracking abnormally, causing it to catch or grind against the femoral condyles.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Meniscal Tear: A tear in the meniscus, which is the cartilage that cushions the joint, can cause a catching or locking sensation in the knee, especially if the tear is large enough to interfere with the smooth movement of the knee joint.
- Ligament Sprain: Sprains to the ligaments surrounding the knee can cause pain and instability, potentially leading to a feeling of the knee catching or giving way.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans: This condition involves a piece of cartilage and bone becoming detached from the end of the bone because of inadequate blood supply, leading to pain and a catching sensation as the loose piece interferes with joint movement.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: Although less common, septic arthritis is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. It can present with sudden onset of pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion, and while a catching sensation might not be the primary symptom, the severity of the condition warrants its inclusion in this category.
- Tumor: Bone or soft tissue tumors around the knee can cause pain and mechanical symptoms, including a catching sensation, especially if they interfere with the normal functioning of the knee joint.
Rare Diagnoses
- Synovial Chondromatosis: A rare condition where cartilage grows in the synovium, leading to loose bodies within the joint that can cause locking or catching sensations.
- Discoid Meniscus: A congenital condition where the meniscus is thicker and more circular than normal, which can lead to meniscal tears and symptoms including catching or snapping sensations in the knee.
- Osteonecrosis: The death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, which can lead to knee pain and mechanical symptoms if it affects the knee joint, potentially causing a catching sensation due to the collapse of the bone.