Knee Tests

Question 1

McMurray Sign

Answer 1

P: Clicking sound or pain in the knee joint
I: Tear of medial meniscus if positive on external rotation
Tear of lateral meniscus if positive on internal rotation
The higher the leg is raised during extension when positive is elicited, the more posterior the meniscal injury

Question 2

Medical Collateral Ligement Test
AKA. Abduction Stress Test
AKA. Valgus Stress Test

Answer 2

P: Gapping and/or elicited pain above/at/or below joint line
I: Torn medial collateral ligament

Question 3

Lateral Collateral Ligament Test
AKA. Adduciton Stress Test
AKA. Varus Stress Test

Answer 3

P: Gapping and/or elicited pain above/at/or below the joint line
I: Torn lateral collateral ligament

Question 4

Bounce Home Test

Answer 4

P: Knee does not go into full extension (slight flexion remains)
I: Diffuse swelling of the knee, accumulation of fluid, due to possible torn meniscus

Question 5

Drawer Test

Answer 5

1. Gapping > 6 mm (tibia moves posterior) when the leg is pushed
   I: Torn posterior cruciate ligament
2. Gapping > 6 mm (tibia moves anterior) when the leg is pulled
   I: Torn anterior cruciate ligament

Question 6

Lachman Test

Answer 6

P: Gapping with the tibia moving away from the femur
I: Anterior cruciate ligament or posterior oblique ligament instability

Question 7

Apprehension Test for the Patella

Answer 7

P: Apprehension, distress of facial expression, contraction of quadriceps to bring patella back in line
I: Chronic patella dislocation or pre-disposition to dislocation

Question 8

Patella Femoral Grinding Test

AKA Clarke SIgn

Answer 8

P: Retropatellar pain and the patient is unable to hold the quadriceps contraction
I: Degenerative changes of the patellar facets and/or within the trochlear groove (chondromalacia patella)

Question 9

Patella Ballottment Test

Answer 9

P: A floating sensation of the patella
I: A large amount of swelling in the knee

Question 10

Apley Compression Test

Answer 10

P: Patient points to side of pain
I: Pain on medial side is medial meniscus tear. Pain on the lateral side indicates lateral meniscus tear.

Question 11

Apley Distraction Test

Answer 11

P: Patient will point to side of pain
I: Pain on the medial side indicates medial collateral ligament tear. Pain on the lateral side indicates lateral collateral ligament tear.