Knee Exam - Positives & Indicators

Question 1

McMurray Sign

Answer 1

Positive: 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

Medial Collateral Ligament TestAbduction Stress TestValgus Stress Test

Answer 2

Positive: Gapping and/or elicited pain above/at/or below the joint lineIndicates: Torn medial collateral ligament

Question 3

Lateral Collateral Ligament TestAdduction Stress TestVarus Stress Test

Answer 3

Positive: Gapping and/or elicited pain above/at/or below the joint lineIndicates: Torn lateral collateral ligament

Question 4

Bounce Home Test

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Drawer Test

Answer 5

Positive: Gapping > 6mm (tibia moves posterior) when the leg is pushedIndicates: Torn posterior cruciate ligamentPositive: Gapping > 6mm (tibia moves anterior) when the leg is pulledIndicates: Torn anterior cruciate ligament

Question 6

Lachman Test

Answer 6

Positive: Gapping with the tibia moving away from the femurIndicates: Anterior cruciate ligament or posterior oblique ligament instability

Question 7

Apprehension Test for the Patella

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Patella Femoral Grinding TestClarke Sign

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Patella Ballottment Test

Answer 9

Positive: A floating sensation of the patellaIndicates: A large amount of swelling in the knee

Question 10

Apley Compression Test

Answer 10

Positive: Patient points to side of painIndicates: Pain on the medial side is medial meniscus tear. Pain on the lateral side indicates lateral meniscus tear

Question 11

Apley Distraction Test

Answer 11

Positive: Patient will point to side of painIndicates: Pain on the medial side indicates medial collateral ligament tear. Pain on the lateral side indicates lateral collateral ligament tear