(327) indicates that the diagnosis is primarily clinical. Spontaneously reduced knee dislocation should be suspected in patients with significant hemarthrosis, macroscopic instability, or both; A detailed vascular assessment, including ankle-brachial blood pressure index, should be performed immediately after the complete knee examination. Active knee extension is assessed in all patients with knee pain and effusion to check for any disruption of the extensor mechanism (e.g., quadriceps or patellar tendon tears, patella or tibial tube fracture. Treatments Knee injuries include mild sprains, which require protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation, and early immobilization. Saliba (46) explains that serious injuries include: 1) a knee brace or immobilizer, and 2) knee injuries. referral to an orthopedic surgeon for surgical repair. Draining large effusions can reduce pain and spasms. Most 1st degree and moderate 2nd degree injuries can be treated initially with PRICE, including immobilization of the knee at 20° of flexion with a commercially available knee immobilizer or brace. Babwah and Rogers (113) agree that early range of motion exercises are generally encouraged. Severe 2nd degree sprains and most 3rd degree sprains require a cast for approximately 6 weeks. Certain 3rd degree injuries of the medial collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament require arthroscopic surgical repair. Hiett (137) states that patients with severe injuries are referred to an orthopedic surgeon for surgery.