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Differential Diagnosis for Left Knee Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Posterior Knee Soft Tissue Injury (e.g., posterior knee ligament sprain or strain): This diagnosis is most likely due to the mechanism of injury (stepping down from a bus with the left foot going backward), the location of the pain (posterior knee), and the nature of the pain (electrifying shock-like pain that occurs with knee flexion and standing up from a bent position). The normal X-ray findings also support a soft tissue injury rather than a bony injury.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Meniscal Tear: The pain with knee flexion and the inability to run due to pain could suggest a meniscal tear. However, meniscal tears often present with locking or catching sensations, which are not mentioned in the history.
  • Hamstring Strain: Given the posterior knee pain and the mechanism of injury, a hamstring strain is possible. This would typically present with pain in the posterior thigh rather than localized to the posterior knee, but it cannot be ruled out without further examination.
  • Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy: As part of the hamstring group, biceps femoris tendinopathy could cause posterior knee pain, especially with activities involving knee flexion.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less likely given the acute onset of pain following a specific injury, DVT can present with pain in the knee or leg and must be considered, especially in patients with risk factors (e.g., recent travel, immobilization). The absence of swelling and the specific nature of the pain make this less likely, but it's crucial not to miss due to its potential severity.
  • Osteonecrosis: This condition can cause knee pain but typically has a more insidious onset. Given the acute presentation following an injury, it's less likely but should be considered if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: This rare condition involves compression of the popliteal artery and can cause leg pain, especially with activity. It's more common in young athletes but could be considered in a differential diagnosis for posterior knee pain, especially if other diagnoses are ruled out.
  • Ganglion Cyst: A ganglion cyst in the posterior knee could cause localized pain and might be considered if a palpable mass is present, although this is not mentioned in the provided history.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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