Knee Special Tests
Ligament Testing - Collateral Ligaments
Abduction (Valgus) Stress Test FE Abduction (Valgus) Stress Test 30 degree Adduction (Varus) Stress Test FE Adduction (Varus) Stress Test 30 degree
Cruciate Ligaments
Anterior Drawer Sign Posterior Drawer Sign Lachman Test
Effusion
Bulge Sign Ballotment Balloon Sign
Ballotment
Milk fluids from suprapatellar pouch With last milking, rapidly tap patella Positive= Patella will depress downward and then bob back up if excessive fluid is present
Patellar Dislocation
Patellar Apprehension Test
Chondromalacia
Patellofemoral Grind Test
Abduction (Valgus) Stress Test Full Extension/30 Degree
Patient Supine Hold Leg extended at ankle Place other hand along lateral aspect of knee Push ankle laterally as medial pessure (valgus stress) is exerted at knee- Causes medial joint space to gap- Limited by medial collateral ligament Compare to affected knee Repeat with knee at 30 degrees Positive= larger gap on one side indicates medial collateral laxity
Adduction (Varus) Stress Test Full extension/ 30 degrees
Patient Supine Place hand against medial aspect of knee Ankle is pushed medially as lateral pressure (varus stress) is exerted at knee- causes lateral joint space to gap- Amount is limited by Lateral Collateral Ligament Compare to affected knee Repeat with knee at 30 degrees Positive= Larger gap on one side indicates lateral collateral laxity
Patellar Apprehension Test
Place fingers beside patella With knee flexed, apply lateral pressure on patella while extending knee Positive= Patient Apprehension= patient will tense the quadriceps or attempt to straighten the knee
Balloon Sign
Place thumb/index finger/ lateral to patella Compress suprapatellar pouch against femur Positive= Feel fluid under thumb/ index fingers
Patellofemoral Grind Test
Press Patella in Place Patient Contracts Quad muscles Positive= Pain
Bulge Sign
Stroke medially downward Apply Medial Pressure Tap Distal to Posterolateral aspect of patella Positive= Bulge felt on lateral side of patella
Anterior Drawer Sign
Test Stability of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Patient Supine Flex leg grab just above the calf Pull towards yourself Examine unaffected leg first Positive= increase in anterior angle
