The term "Prom Knee" is ambiguous. It could potentially refer to two different concepts, one related to knee injuries that may occur around the time of a school prom, and the other relating to the medical abbreviation PROM (Passive Range of Motion) applied to the knee joint. Let's explore both possibilities:
1. Knee Injuries Associated with Prom
This interpretation of "Prom Knee" refers to knee injuries, pain, or discomfort experienced by individuals around the time of a school prom. This could be due to:
- Increased Physical Activity: Dancing, especially in high heels or unfamiliar shoes, can put extra stress on the knees.
- Accidents: Prom night activities might involve accidents leading to knee trauma.
- Pre-existing Conditions: The increased activity might exacerbate an underlying knee problem.
Symptoms of a "Prom Knee" (related to injury) could include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
2. PROM (Passive Range of Motion) of the Knee
PROM stands for Passive Range of Motion. In the context of the knee, it refers to the range of motion achieved when someone else moves your knee joint for you, without you actively using your muscles.
According to the provided reference, when assessing the knee joint using PROM, the main goals are:
- To assess the end-feel: This is the sensation felt by the person moving the knee at the very end of the range of motion.
- To evaluate if the end-feel is normal or pathological: A normal end-feel indicates healthy joint structures, while a pathological end-feel might suggest problems like arthritis, muscle tightness, or ligament damage.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| PROM Definition | Range of motion achieved by external force, not the patient's own muscle action. |
| Purpose of PROM | Assessment of joint structures, end-feel evaluation, identifying abnormalities. |
| Clinical Relevance | Helps diagnose knee joint problems and guides treatment plans. |
