Knee Orthopedic Tests

Question 0

How to perform Adduction (Varus) Stress Test?

Answer 0

Patient lies supine with legs straight. Dr stabilizes the medial ankle and pushes medial to lateral at the knee

Question 1

How to perform Abduction (Valgus) Stress Test?

Answer 1

Patient lies supine with legs straight. Dr stabilizes the medial ankle and pushes lateral to medial at the knee

Question 2

Purpose of the Abduction (Valgus) Stress Test and Adduction (Varus) Stress Test?

Answer 2

Looking for MCL sprain/strain (abduction/valgus stress test)

Looking for LCL sprain/strain (adduction/varus stress test)

Question 3

What are classic findings of the Abduction (Valgus) Stress Test and Adduction (Varus) Stress Test?

Answer 3

Pain or increased motion/gapping on the respective aspect of the knee

Question 4

How to perform Apley’s Compression Distraction test aka Apley’s Grinding Test

Answer 4

Patient lies prone with knee flexed at 90 degrees. Dr grasps the foot, pushes down and medially, and laterally rotates the foot.
(Heel points to side you are testing)

Question 5

Purpose of Apley’s compression/distraction test

Answer 5

Looking for meniscus tears and/or ligamentous laxity or tears

Question 6

Classic finding for Apley’s compression/distraction test

Answer 6

Pain or crepitus with compression:
Internal rotation = lateral meniscus
External rotation = medial meniscus

Question 7

What is a bucket handle tear and what orthopedic test is it associated with?

Answer 7

The ridge of the meniscus tears and folds over when the knee is bent. The ridge gets stuck and causes a wedge to form.
It is associated with Apley’s compression test.