Knee ligament tests can be performed in a medical office without any special equipment.
This article walks you through how each knee ligament test is done and what it can reveal.
The healthcare provider takes hold of your lower leg just behind the knee and gently tugs your leg forward.
Brett Sears, PT
What Results Suggest:Excessive motion of your tibia beneath the femur suggests that your ACL may be torn.
This ligament prevents your shin bone from slipping backward underneath your thigh bone.
Your foot is placed flat on the table.
It involves checking for any gaps between the tibia and femur on the inner side of your knee joint.
The MCL stabilizes the inner knee and prevents it from splaying too far inward.
It also guards it against impact from the outside of the knee.
A bolster may be placed under your knee to place it in an optimal position.
The healthcare provider grasps your ankle with one hand and your outer thigh with the other.
They then exert gentle but forceful pressure, tugging the ankle outward.
In some cases, an audible “clunk” may be heard.
This ligament stabilizes the outer knee and prevents it from splaying too far outward.
It also protects it against impact from the inside of your knee.
A bolster may be placed under your knee for support.
They then exert forceful but gentle pressure, tugging the ankle inward.
An audible “clunk” may also be heard.
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2018;26(6):e120-e127.
