ACL Assessment and Diagnosis

Two of the most widely used tests for ACL injury are explained below for information purposes. Always seek professional advice.

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 results is found if the Tibia moves excessively forward compared to the healthy knee
  

As well as the tests described above, the doctor or physiotherapist may:

• Test the range of motion at the joint
• Test the strength of the surrounding muscles
• Test for associated injuries such as meniscus tears

Recommended Products:

• Cold Therapy Wraps - A cold therapy wrap such as the Coldone Knee Wrap or Taylor Made Cold Compression wrap will provide compression and cold therapy which will help reduce pain and swelling both after injury and following surgery.
• Hinged Knee Braces - A knee brace or support with a hinge will provide a high level of support for the knee joint in general. To protect the ACL ligament specifically is difficult and something like the Don Joy Armour is specifically designed to do this. Other supports like the McDavid 429 Hinged Knee Brace or the Mueller Hg80 Knee Brace with Kevlar provide a good amount of support and protection at a lower price.
• Elastic Rehabilitation Bands - Elastic rehab bands or stretch bands can be used to aid strengthening and rehabilitation both before and following surgery.

Further information and ACL rehabilitation:

• ACL Surgery
• ACL Taping

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic (Sportsinjuryclinic.net) for more information on how to treat Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and other causes of knee pain.