Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis of the knee: The patient's complaint of pain in the left outer knee, especially when bending or climbing stairs, is consistent with osteoarthritis. The intermittent nature of the pain and the lack of numbness or tingling also support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Meniscal tear: The location of the pain (outer knee) and the exacerbation of pain with activities like bending or climbing stairs could also suggest a meniscal tear.
- Ligament sprain: A sprain in one of the knee ligaments could cause pain, especially with movement, and might be considered given the patient's symptoms.
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) for dizziness: The description of dizziness worsening with head movement and resolving rapidly is suggestive of BPPV, a common cause of vertigo.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Ovarian torsion: Although less likely given the chronic nature of the pelvic pain and the absence of acute severe pain, ovarian torsion is a medical emergency that must be considered, especially in a patient with a history of pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT can cause knee pain and should be considered, especially if there are risk factors such as recent immobilization or cancer.
- Spinal stenosis or disc herniation: While less likely given the lack of numbness or tingling, these conditions can cause knee pain and must be ruled out, especially if symptoms worsen or change.
- Rare diagnoses
- Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune arthropathies: These conditions can cause knee pain but are less common and would typically present with additional systemic symptoms or involvement of other joints.
- Bone tumor: A tumor in the knee could cause pain, especially with activity, but this would be a rare diagnosis and typically accompanied by other symptoms such as night pain or significant limitation of function.