Knee Special Tests

Question 1

What is Thessaly’s test? How is it performed?

Answer 1

-A test for meniscus, considered the gold standard
-Pt is standing and flexed to 5 degrees at the knee
-Rotate femur over tibia ER & IR 3 times
-Positive would be painful or reproduction of symptoms

Question 2

What is Apley’s test? How is it performed?

Answer 2

-Distraction & compression test for meniscus
-Pt is prone with knee flexed to 90 degrees
-Put pt leg in ER/IR, and compress & distract tibia in each position
-Positive would be painful or reproduction of symptoms

Question 3

What is McMurray’s test? How is it performed?

Answer 3

-A test for meniscus
-Pt is supine, knee is bent to 90 degrees
-Bring into ER & IR separately
-Bring leg into flexion while compressing the knee
-Positive would be painful or reproduction of symptoms

Question 4

What is Noble’s compression test? How is it performed?

Answer 4

-Tests for IT band dysfunction or pain
-Pt is in supine or short sit
-PT puts pressure on lateral epicondyle (of tibia or femur?)
-Pt extends leg
-Positive would be painful or reproduction of symptoms

Question 5

What is Lachman’s test? How is it performed?

Answer 5

-Tests integrity of ACL
-A bolster is placed under the patients knee
-PT stabilizes the femur and pulls anteriorly on the tibia
-Positive would be tibia moving too far forwards

Question 6

What is anterior drawer test? How is it performed?

Answer 6

-Tests integrity of ACL
-Pt is hook lying with feet flat on table, knee at 90 degrees of flexion
-PT stabilizes foot by sitting on it and pulls tibia anteriorly
-Positive would be tibia moving too far forwards

Question 7

What is a posterior drawer test? How is it performed?

Answer 7

-Tests integrity of PCL
-Pt is hook lying with feet flat on table
-PT stabilizes foot by sitting on it and pushes tibia posteriorly
-Positive would be tibia moving too far backwards

Question 8

What is medial collateral ligament test?

Answer 8

-Tests MCL
-Hold onto and stabilize leg in an extended position
-Push femur inwards to lengthen MCL while pulling the tibia slightly outwards
-Repeat with leg flexed at 30 degrees

Question 9

What is lateral collateral ligament test?

Answer 9

-Tests MCL
-Hold onto and stabilize leg in an extended position
-Pull femur outwards to lengthen MCL while pulling the tibia slightly inwards
-Repeat with leg flexed at 30 degrees