Knee Special Test Flashcards
Purpose is to test the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
The pt. lies supine on a plinth with their hips flexed to 45 degrees, his/her knees flexed to 90 degrees and feet flat on the plinth. The therapist sits on the toes of tested extremity to help stabilize it. The therapist grasps the proximal lower leg, just below the tibial plateau, and attempts to administer force to the lower leg anteriorly.
It is positive if there is a lack of end feel or diminished end point or excessive anterior translation of the tibia on the femur.
Anterior Drawer Test “Ligamentous Instability.
Purpose is to identify the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Pts. Lie the patient supine on the bed. Place the patient’s knee in about 20-30 degrees flexion. The leg should also be externally rotated slightly. The examiner should place one hand behind the tibia and the other on the patient’s thigh. On pulling the tibia anteriorly, an intact ACL should prevent forward translational movement of the tibia on the femur (“firm end-feel”).
Positive if excessive anterior translation of the tibia on the femur with diminished or absent end point.
Lachmans Test “Ligamentous Instability”
Purpose is to test the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
The Pt. is supine and the testing knee is flexed to approximately 90 degrees. Therapist then sits on the toes of the tested extremity to help stabilize it. Therapist grasps the proximal lower leg at the tibial plateau or joint line, and attempts to translate the lower leg posteriorly.
The test is considered positive if there is a lack of end feel or excessive posterior translation.
Posterior Drawer Test “Ligamentous Instability”
Purpose is to assess for integrity of the PCL
Pt. supine with knee flexed to 90 degrees and the hip flexed to 45 degrees.
Positive test is indicated by the tibia sagging back on the femur.
Posterior Sag Sign “Ligamentous Instability”
Purpose is to test for damage to the medial collateral ligament of the knee.
Pt. supine with knee flexed to 20-30 degrees. Therapist positions one hand on the medial surface of the pts. ankle and the other hand on the lateral surface of the knee. Applies a valgus force to the knee with the distal hand.
Positive test is indicative by excessive valgus movement and damage to the MCL.
MCL Valgus Stress Test “Ligamentous Instability”
Purpose is to assess the integrity of the LCL of the knee.
Pt. in supine while therapist passively bending the affected leg to about 30 degrees of flexion. While palpating the lateral joint line, therapist apply a varus force to the patient’s knee.
A positive test occurs when pain or excessive gapping occurs (some gapping is normal at 30 degrees).
LCL Varus Stress Test “Ligamentous Instability”
