Special tests - Knee & Ankle

Question 1

What are the specific tests for each of the knee ligaments?

Answer 1

Specific tests for each of the knee ligaments
* MCL: more commonly injured, valgus stress test
* LCL: Varus stress test
* ACL: Anterior draw test, Lachmans test
* PCL: Posterior drawer test, posterior sag sign

Question 2

What are the special tests for the meniscus?

Answer 2

Special tests for the knee meniscus
* McMurrays test
* Apley’s distraction / grind tests
* Thessaly test

Question 3

What are the special tests for ITB band friction syndrome?

Answer 3

Special tests for ITB band friction syndrome:
* Nobles compression test
* Obers test
* Gluteus medius/minimus strength test

Question 4

What is the valgus stress test?

Answer 4

• Used to assess the integrity of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments
• This test is for the MCL
• MCL stress test

Question 5

What is the Varus stress test?

Answer 5

• Used to assess the integrity of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments
• This test is for the LCL
• LCL stress test

Question 6

What is the Lachmans test?

Answer 6

• This test is used to assess the integrity of the ACL

Question 7

What is the anterior drawer test?

Answer 7

• This test is used to assess the integrity of the ACL
• This test assesses for one-plane instability

Question 8

What is the positive drawer test?

Answer 8

• This test is to assess for the integrity of the PCL and is the opposite movement to the anterior drawer test, i.e. push the tibia forward

Question 9

What is the mcmurrays test?

Answer 9

• This test is used to assess the presence of meniscal injuries provocation test by trapping fragments in between the joint

Question 10

What is the Thessaly test?

Answer 10

• This test is used to assess the presence of meniscal injuries provocation test by tapping fragments in between the joint

Question 11

What is the alleys compression / distraction test?

Answer 11

• This test is for the presence of meniscal and collateral ligament tests
• Used to assess ligamentous or meniscus injury
• Prone – thigh is anchored to the table

Question 12

What is the noble compression test?

Answer 12

• This test assesses the presence of ITB friction syndrome

Question 13

What is the mcconnels test?

Answer 13

• This test assesses the presence of the patella-femoral dysfunction