Differential Diagnosis for Medial and Posterior Knee Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Medial meniscus tear: This is a common cause of medial knee pain, especially if there is a history of trauma or twisting injury. The meniscus is a cartilage structure that can become damaged, leading to pain and stiffness in the knee.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain: The MCL is a ligament that connects the femur to the tibia and can become injured with valgus stress (a force that pushes the knee inward). This can cause medial knee pain and instability.
- Pes anserine bursitis: This is an inflammatory condition that affects the bursa located on the medial aspect of the knee, where the tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles insert. It can cause medial knee pain and swelling.
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain: The PCL is a ligament that connects the femur to the tibia and can become injured with a blow to the front of the knee or a fall onto a flexed knee. This can cause posterior knee pain and instability.
- Popliteus tendonitis: The popliteus tendon is located in the posterior aspect of the knee and can become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the leg and can cause pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Popliteal artery aneurysm: This is a bulge in the popliteal artery that can cause posterior knee pain, swelling, and weakness. It is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.
- Osteonecrosis of the knee: This is a condition where the bone tissue in the knee dies due to lack of blood supply, causing pain and stiffness. It can be caused by trauma, steroid use, or other factors.
Rare Diagnoses
- Meniscal cyst: This is a rare condition where a cyst forms in the meniscus, causing pain and stiffness in the knee.
- Ganglion cyst: This is a rare condition where a cyst forms in the posterior aspect of the knee, causing pain and stiffness.
- Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS): This is a rare condition where the synovial tissue in the knee becomes inflamed and forms nodules, causing pain and stiffness.