There are two main tests which are used to assess the knee to determine if there has been damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, the anterior draw test and Lachman's test.
The following is for information purposes only. Tests should be conducted by a qualified professional.
Anterior draw test
- With the patient laying on their back with the injured knee bent to 90 degrees and the foot flat on the table.
- The practitioner may stabilise the foot by sitting on it.
- The practitioner will grasp the upper Tibia (shin bone) with both hands.
- They will then attempt to pull the Tibia forwards, towards them.
- A positive result is if the Tibia moves excessively forwards.
- The injured knee should always be compared to the healthy knee for 'normal' movement
Lachmans test
- The patient lies on their back with the knee flexed between 15 and 30 degrees.
- The practitioner grips the outside of the lower Femur (thigh) with the upper hand and the inside of the upper Tibia with the lower hand.
- The Femur is stabilised with the upper hand as the lower hand applies an anterior force on the Tibia.
- A positive result is found if the Tibia moves excessively forward compared to the healthy knee.
As well as the tests described above, the practitioner may also:
- Test the range of motion at the joint
- Test the strength of the surrounding muscles
- Test for associated injuries such as meniscus tears
