Special tests for knee examination

1. Special tests for knee examination
MCL
injury
Valgus
stress test
• Stabilize lateral thigh; apply abduction force to lower leg
Laxity indicates MCL injury
ACL
injury
Anterior
drawer test
• Patient supine with knee flexed
• Grip proximal tibia with both hands & pull anteriorly
Laxity of tibia indicates ACL injury
Lachman
test
• Place knee at 30 degrees flexion
• Stabilize distal femur with 1 hand & pull proximal tibia
anteriorly with the other
Laxity of tibia indicates ACL injury
Meniscal
tear
Thessaly
test
• Patient stands on 1 leg with knee flexed 20 degrees
• Patient then internally & externally rotates on flexed knee
Pain, clicking, or catching indicates meniscal tear
McMurray
test
• Passive knee flexion & extension while holding the knee in
internal or external rotation
Pain, clicking, or catching indicates meniscal tear