Assesses for instability of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Performing the Test
Patient supine, knee relaxed in 15°-30° of flexion
Grasp distal femur with left hand, proximal tibia with right, ensuring left thumb is on joint line
Stabilizing femur, apply anterior pressure to posterior tibia
Positive: greater anterior tibial displacement on affected side compared to unaffected side
Compare both knees
Sensitivity: 87%; specificity: 60%
LR+ = 9.4; LR- = 0.23
References
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Baxter S, ed., McScheffrey G, ed. Toronto Notes: Comprehensive Medical Reference & Review for MCCQE 1 & USMLE 2. 26th ed. Toronto: Toronto Notes for Medical Students Inc; 2010.
Bickley L. Bate’s Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 10th ed. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009.
Essential Evidence Plus. http://www.essentialevidenceplus.com. 2011. Accessed February 2011.
Hurley K. OSCE and Clinical Skills Handbook. Halifax: Elsevier Canada; 2005.
Levy DB, Soft Tissue Knee Injury. Emedicine from WebMD. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/826792-overview. 2009. Accessed February 2001.
Magee D. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 1st ed. Philadelphia:Saunders; 1986.