Accurately diagnosing the underlying issue that is causing your pain or loss of functionality is equally as important as developing an effective treatment strategy. There are many different orthopedic tests of the knee that a physical therapist can use to get to the bottom of your injury or condition. In this article, we are going to explain some of the most common orthopedic tests of the knee that a physical therapist may use to diagnose an injury or condition.
Anterior Drawer Test
The Anterior Drawer Test is one of the easiest and widely used orthopedic tests of the knee. Its function is to check the strength and integrity of the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). The patient lies down on an exam table and bends their knees to roughly 90 degrees. The physical therapist then sits on both of the patient’s feet and grasps the upper tibia of one leg with both hands. The therapist’s thumbs are placed on the supero-anterior aspect of tibia and gentle pressure is applied.
Pivot Shift Test
The Pivot Shift Test is another extremely common and accurate exam for testing a patient’s knee stability and ACL integrity. To start, the patient lies down on an exam table with both legs fully extended. The physical therapist uses one hand to hold the patient’s heel, and the other on the lateral aspect of the proximal tibia. Then the therapist slowly rotates the knee inward and flexes the knee.
McMurray Test
The McMurray Test is used to test for meniscus tears in the knee. The patient begins by lying down on the exam table, with one knee at a 90 degree angle. The physical therapist places on hand on the patient’s heel, and the other on the patient’s knee. Then the therapist gently rotates the patients lower leg in an external pattern.
OrthoRehab Specialists provides physical therapy care to Minnesota patients for injuries and conditions of the knee, as well as other body parts. Our therapists have over twenty-five years of experience helping patients regain range-of-motion and reduce pain after injuries and surgical procedures. We have existing relationships with over 600 doctors who refer their patients to us for rehabilitation. We also offer direct access to physical therapy for Minnesota patients. That means you don’t necessarily need a prescription to make an appointment with us. Contact our Edina or Minneapolis physical therapy clinics today to set up your appointment and get started with a physical therapy program that fits your needs.