Evaluation of the clinical signs of anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries

Background:

The diagnostic accuracy of anterior drawer (AD) sign, Lachman test and the pivot shift test for anterior cruciate ligament injury and McMurray test for medial and lateral meniscus is varied with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 2 to 100%. Generally, it is accepted that the pivot shift test is the most specific test to diagnose anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and that the Lachman test is more sensitive than AD sign. This study was undertaken to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and efficiency for the above-mentioned diagnostic tests.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-eight male patients with clinical ACL injury were examined in the outpatient department and under anaesthesia, the findings were compared with arthroscopy.

Result:

The sensitivity and specificity for the Lachman test, AD sign and pivot shift test performed in the outpatient setting are 78.6 and 100%, 89.3 and 100%, and 75 and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for the Lachman test, AD sign, and pivot shift test performed under anesthesia are 92.9 and 100%, 92.9 and 100%, and 100 and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the McMurray test for medial and lateral meniscus were 35.7 and 85.7% and 22.2 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The Lachman test, AD sign and pivot shift test are highly specific tests to diagnose ACL laxity in a non-acute setting; pivot shift test under anesthesia is the most sensitive and specific test for diagnosing ACL laxity in a non-acute setting and the McMurray test is not a sensitive test to diagnose meniscal injury in the presence of ACL injury.     

Editorial Commentary: The Pivot Shift and Lachman Examinations: Teammates With Distinct Roles

The pivot shift and Lachman examinations are “teammates” with complementary but distinct roles in the successful diagnosis and treatment of anterior cruciate ligament rupture and injury to the surrounding soft-tissue envelope of the knee. The Lachman test measures anterior tibial translation in response to an applied anterior tibial load. This test assesses the integrity of the native or reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament and the secondary medial restraints including the medial meniscus and medial collateral ligament. In contrast, the pivot shift exam creates coupled tibiofemoral motions in response to a complex combination of multiplanar loads. This test assesses the stabilizing role of the native or reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament and the secondary lateral restraints including the lateral meniscus and anterolateral complex. The pivot shift grade depends not only on the soft the tissue stabilizers of the knee but also on the shape of the proximal tibia and the distal femur including lateral tibial slope and femoral condylar offset. Both examinations have unique strengths and weaknesses, but when combined as diagnostic tools, they achieve far more collectively than what each can achieve alone.     

Ruptur des vorderen Kreuzbands

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common ligamentous knee injury. The knee is stabilized by the cruciate ligaments and the collateral ligaments. The ACL originates from the inner surface of the lateral condyle of the femur, runs in an anterior medial direction and inserts at the tibial plateau in the intercondyle area. The most common injury is an indirect knee trauma, typically a joint torsion in sports. Patients often describe a snapping noise followed by hemarthrosis. Concomitant injuries are lesions of the medial collateral ligament, the medial meniscus (unhappy triad) and chondral fractures. The age peak is between 15 and 30 years with a higher incidence in females. The cardinal symptom of the ACL rupture is the giving way phenomenon. The clinical diagnosis is provided by a positive Lachman test, a positive pivot shift test and the anterior drawer test. Fractures can be excluded by X-ray examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows the evaluation of the internal knee structures. ACL repair is carried out by arthroscopically assisted bone-tendon-bone or semitendinosus grafting techniques. Early rehabilitation is important for a good functional outcome.     

陈旧性前十字韧带损伤的诊断

目的评估前抽屉试验、Lachman试验、轴移试验和MRI在陈旧性前十字韧带损伤诊断中的意义。方法107例手术证实为陈旧性前十字韧带损伤患者,术前均行前抽屉试验、Lachman试验、轴移试验和MR检查。术后计算各项检查的敏感性,并分析产生假阴性的原因。结果前抽屉试验的阳性率为78.5%,Lachman试验为97.2%,轴移试验为91.6%,而MRI敏感性为93.5%。10例患者的关节镜检查显示前十字韧带近侧撕裂端再附着于后十字韧带。在此10例中,前抽屉试验的阳性率为60%,Lachman试验为80%,轴移试验为60%,而MRI敏感性为40%。本组9例轴移试验假阴性的患者中,有4例为撕裂的前十字韧带再附着于后十字韧带而替代了部分前十字韧带的功能,因此关节镜下显示胫骨外侧髁半脱位受限。2例Lachman试验假阴性的患者经关节镜证实为前十字韧带断端再附着伴有半月板桶柄样撕裂。在10例再附着患者中有3例MRI表现为韧带倾斜度变化。结论Lachman试验对诊断陈旧性前十字韧带损伤敏感性最高。MRI和轴移试验较敏感,但结果受MR检查技术和伴发损伤等诸多因素的影响。     

Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Skeletally Immature Adolescent Athlete

We present a technique for double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a 14-year-old female athlete. The patient presented with anterolateral knee rotatory instability following a traumatic injury suffered while practicing judo. The clinical examination revealed positive Lachman and pivot shift tests with no accompanying meniscal pathology. Roentgenograms revealed open physes, and magnetic resonance imaging scans confirmed an isolated midsubstance ACL tear without cartilaginous injury. The decision was made to anatomically reconstruct the ACL because the athlete wished to continue competitive judo. Autologous hamstring tendons were harvested for double-bundle ACL repair. Following arthroscopic retrograde femoral and antegrade tibial tunnel placement, the ligaments were secured using interference screws within the femoral and tibial epiphysis. Postoperative Lachman and pivot shift tests were negative.     

The contribution of each anterior cruciate ligament bundle to the Lachman test: a cadaver investigation

The clinical diagnosis of a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is still subject to debate. Little is known about the contribution of each ACL bundle during the Lachman test. We investigated this using six fresh-frozen cadaveric lower limbs. Screws were placed in the femora and tibiae as fixed landmarks for digitisation of the bone positions. The femur was secured horizontally in a clamp. A metal hook was screwed to the tibial tubercle and used to apply a load of 150?N directed anteroposteriorly to the tibia to simulate the Lachman test. The knees then received constant axial compression and 3D knee kinematic data were collected by digitising the screw head positions in 30° flexion under each test condition. Measurements of tibial translation and rotation were made, first with the ACL intact, then after sequential cutting of the ACL bundles, and finally after complete division of the ACL. Two-way analysis of variance analysis was performed. During the Lachman test, in all knees and in all test conditions, lateral tibial translation exceeded that on the medial side. With an intact ACL, both anterior and lateral tibial landmarks translated significantly more than those on the medial side (p < 0.001). With sequential division of the ACL bundles, selective cutting of the posterolateral bundle (PLB) did not increase translation of any landmark compared with when the ACL remained intact. Cutting the anteromedial bundle (AMB) resulted in an increased anterior translation of all landmarks. Compared to the intact ACL, when the ACL was fully transected a significant increase in anterior translation of all landmarks occurred (p < 0.001). However, anterior tibial translation was almost identical after AMB or complete ACL division. We found that the AMB confers its most significant contribution to tibial translation during the Lachman test, whereas the PLB has a negligible effect on anterior translation. Section of the PLB had a greater effect on increasing the internal rotation of the tibia than the AMB. However, its contribution of a mean of 2.8° amplitude remains low. The clinical relevance of our investigation suggests that, based on anterior tibial translation only, one cannot distinguish between a full ACL and an isolated AMB tear. Isolated PLB tears cannot be detected solely by the Lachman test, as this bundle probably contributes more resistance to the pivot shift.     

Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: Diagnosis,Indications, Technique,Outcomes

In the context of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, anterolateral ligament reconstruction is now recognized as a reliable option to control rotatory instability and should be considered in the knee surgeon's modern armamentarium. By highlighting its daily practical application, this infographic presents the indications for this specific additional lateral augmentation, the anatomic and biomechanical principles that underline its rationale, and the clinical outcomes from recent large series.In 2013, Claes et al. updated the anterolateral ligament (ALL) concept, and numerous subsequent studies detailed its precise anatomy. It is now accepted that the femoral insertion is located proximal and posterior to the epicondyle. The biomechanical behavior of the ALL during the knee flexion path has been reported to provide control of tibial internal rotation during the pivot shift and with increasing knee flexion angles (>35). Clinically, when a patient presents with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, clinical examination (pivot shift test), radiography (Segond fracture), ultrasound, and 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging are useful to assess a combined ALL injury.The following indications for ALL reconstruction are now well established: ACL revision, high-grade pivot shift test, chronic ACL rupture, young patients, pivoting activities, and patients undergoing medial meniscus repair. It has been reported that anatomic and minimally invasive surgical techniques that control anterolateral rotatory instability can achieve successful outcomes without specific complications. Finally, the addition of ALL reconstruction does not delay postoperative rehabilitation, and no modification is required for an early rehabilitation protocol.     

Arthroscopic anatomic double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Our experience with follow-up of 4 years

BackgroundDouble bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been proposed to recreate the natural anatomy of ACL. Reconstruction of the anatomy of both the bundles of ACL has been thought to be able to restore the rotational stability of the knee joint. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether DB reconstruction has better functional outcome than single bundle (SB) ACL reconstruction.PurposeTo evaluate the clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and manual laxity tests of knee in patients treated with DB ACL reconstruction in Indian population.MethodsWe prospectively followed 25 patients with an isolated ACL injury operated for DB ACL reconstruction after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and in the post-operative period at regular intervals with the minimum follow up of 4 years. Clinical stability was assessed by anterior drawer test, Lachman test and pivot shift test. Functional outcome was assessed by IKDC, Lysholm and Modified Cincinnati scores.ResultsAt the end of 4 years, functional outcome in terms of all subjective scores was satisfactory. Graded stability results of the Lachman, Anterior drawer and pivot shift tests were almost near to that in normal knee. No complication occurred post-operatively.ConclusionAnatomical DB ACL reconstruction seems to offer satisfactory results in terms of subjective scores and stability tests to patients with ACL tear. It has been found to be associated with no obvious complications and no failures. However a larger patient pool is desired for conclusive results.     

What is the terrible triad?

In 1936 Campbell asserted that "impairment of the anterior crucial and mesial ligaments is associated with injuries of the internal cartilage." O'Donoghue in 1950 called attention to "that unhappy triad (1) rupture of the medial collateral ligament, (2) damage to the medial meniscus, and (3) rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament" and recommended early surgical intervention. In 1955 he reported 33 cases with both medial collateral (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, but there were only three lateral meniscus tears reported. Based on a recent report by Shelbourne and Nitz that questions the validity of this unhappy triad, a review of all arthroscopically confirmed acute injuries of second degree or worse to the ACL and MCL was undertaken. Of a total of 52 knees reviewed, 50 knees had third-degree ACL tears and two had second-degree ACL tears. One of the second-degree tears was associated with a second-degree MCL and one with a third-degree ACL tear. Neither had an associated meniscus tear. Forty-five third-degree ACL tears were associated with third-degree MCL tears (group 1) and five with second-degree MCL tears (group 2). Eighty percent (36 knees) of group 1 had lateral meniscus tears. Only 29% of group 1 (13 knees) had associated medial meniscus tears. None of these medial meniscus tears was isolated. Eighty percent (four knees) of group 2 had lateral meniscus tears with only one associated medial meniscus tear. Again, there were no medial meniscus tears in the absence of a lateral meniscus tear. We did not find the combination of injury originally described as the unhappy triad.     

Clinical diagnosis of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture: a meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: To define the accuracy of clinical tests for assessing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. BACKGROUND: The cruciate ligaments, and especially the ACL, are among the most commonly injured structures of the knee. Given the increasing injury prevalence, there is undoubtedly a growing need for clinical decision making of health care providers. We reviewed the literature to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical examination for assessing ACL ruptures. METHODS AND MEASURES: MEDLINE (1966 to April 2005), EMBASE (1989 to April 2005), and CINAHL (1982 to April 2005) searches were performed. Also reference lists of the included studies were reviewed. Studies selected for data extraction were those that addressed the accuracy of at least 1 physical diagnostic test for ACL rupture and compared the performance of the clinical examination of the knee with a reference standard, such as arthroscopy, arthrotomy, or MRI. Searching was limited to English, German, and Dutch languages. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies that assessed the accuracy of clinical tests for diagnosing ACL ruptures met the inclusion criteria. Study results were, however, heterogeneous. The Lachman test is the most valid test to determine ACL tears, showing a pooled sensitivity of 85% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83-87) and a pooled specificity of 94% (95% CI, 92-95). The pivot shift test is very specific, namely 98% (95% CI, 96-99), but has a poor sensitivity of 24% (95% CI, 21-27). The anterior drawer test shows good sensitivity and specificity in chronic conditions, respectively 92% (95% CI, 88-95) and 91% (95% CI, 87-94), but not in acute conditions. CONCLUSION: In case of suspected ACL injury it is recommended to perform the Lachman test. Because the pivot shift test is very specific both in acute as well as in chronic conditions, it is recommended to perform the pivot shift test as well.     

Can physical examination predict the intraarticular tear pattern of the anterior cruciate ligament?

Purpose

We evaluated the correlation between physical examinations and the tear patterns of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Materials and methods

From January 2003 to May 2007, we reviewed 201 cases of ACL rupture, diagnosed by MRI. Two orthopaedic surgeons (a fellow and a senior surgeon) evaluated the instability of the knee under anaesthesia: physical examinations were the anterior draw test (AD), Lachman test (LT), and pivot shift test (PT). By describing the rupture pattern and the site of the anteromedial (AMB) and posterolateral bundle (PLB) during arthroscopic examination, we analysed the correlation between the physical examination under anaesthesia and arthroscopic findings.

Results

In terms of the arthroscopic findings, rupture of the PLB was seen in 83 cases (41.3 %), of the AMB in 24 cases (11.9 %), and of both bundles in 94 cases (46.8 %). The kappa values for the physical examinations between the examiners were 0.963 (AD), 0.92 (LT), and 0.865 (PT). AD and LT above grade 2 did not differ significantly according to the pattern of rupture, but a PT above grade 2 was significantly different in ruptured PLB versus complete rupture.

Conclusions

A PT of more than grade 2 is a reliable physical examination for prediction of ruptured PLB or complete rupture.     

Acute hemarthrosis of the knee: indications for diagnostic arthroscopy

The objective of this study was to define the role of early diagnostic knee arthroscopy for patients with an acute knee injury and hemarthrosis. Forty-five patients with an acute knee injury followed by a posttraumatic hemarthrosis during a 1-year period were prospectively reviewed. All patients were evaluated preoperatively followed by examination under anesthesia and arthroscopy of the knee. The majority of patients, 32 (71%), had an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Meniscal tears occurred in 21 patients (47%). Meniscal tears requiring surgery occurred in only 10 of 25 meniscal tears (40%). Seven patients (16%) had medial collateral ligament and/or posteromedial capsular sprain. Eight patients (18%) had an osteochondral fracture or patellar dislocation associated with an osteochondral fracture. The majority of knees with a torn meniscus or osteochondral fracture had an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Clinically, 18 of 21 knees (86%) with an acute complete anterior cruciate ligament tear were diagnosed preoperatively with the Lachman test. The Lachman test conducted with patients under anesthesia was positive for 19 of 21 knees (90%) with an acute complete anterior cruciate ligament tear. The preoperative examination correctly identified six of seven knees (86%) with a medial collateral ligament sprain. The preoperative Lachman test was positive in only two of five knees (40%) with a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear. The Lachman test with patients under anesthesia was positive for four of five knees (80%) with an acute partial anterior cruciate ligament tear. Preoperative examination yielded the correct diagnosis in only 9 of 21 knees (43%) with a meniscal tear and 1 of 6 knees (17%) with an osteochondral fracture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament injury of the knee joint]

From January, 1979 to May, 1989, 107 patients with problems related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) were treated in our hospital. 100 of the patients had anterior cruciate ligament injury confirmed by arthrotomy or arthroscopy. The remaining 7 patients were found to be normal either by arthroscopy or arthrotomy. 29 patients had fresh ACL injury and 71 old. All the patients had history of trauma of the knee joint. Swelling and pain in the affected knee joint took place in fresh cases and few of them complained of instability or deformity of the knee. On examination, floating patella test was positive in the majority of the fresh cases. It was shown that accurate diagnosis could be made by Lachman test rather than by conventional anterior drawer test in dealing with fresh injury, but with old ones, Lachman test didn't show the advantages. Examination under anesthesia or arthroscopy helped a lot in diagnosing fresh ACL injury. Anterior drawer test (ADT) was significant in determining the existence of ACL injury. When ADT was positive, ACL injury was found in the majority of the cases, however, injured ACL couldn't be ruled out by negative ADT only. Positive valgus stress test on 0 degrees position suggests possibility of ACL injury, even ADT was negative. Despite the negative anterior drawer test positive posterior drawer test on three directions indicated the injury of the posterior cruciate ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament. The positive rate of ADT was higher than that of pivot shift test in dealing with anterior cruciate ligament injury. Positive pivot shift test suggests ACL injury.     

Effects of different surgical procedures for meniscus injury on two-year clinical and radiological outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. -TMDU MAKS study

BackgroundThe treatment of meniscus injuries combined with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction would be important to improve outcomes after ACL reconstruction. However, the effects of treatment methods for meniscus after ACL reconstruction have not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of treatment methods for meniscus on clinical and radiological outcomes at 2 years after ACL reconstruction.MethodsThree-hundred and eighteen patients with primary ACL reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendon registered in our multicenter study database and who were followed up for 2 years were included. They were then divided into 3 groups, the no meniscal lesion/untreated group (n = 149), the meniscal repair group (n = 139), and the meniscal resection group (n = 30). Patient-based subjective evaluations (Lysholm score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score), objective evaluations (Lachman test, pivot shift test and KT measurement), and radiological measurements (medial and lateral joint space width) were compared among the 3 groups preoperatively and at 2 years follow-up.ResultsAll subjective scores and objective evaluations significantly improved in all groups without significant differences among the groups postoperatively. Regarding radiological findings, the medial joint space width significantly decreased only in the resection group during the 2-year period, and the medial joint space width in the resection group was significantly smaller than that of the other groups at the 2-year follow-up. Moreover, the medial joint space width significantly decreased during the 2-year period when MM was resected.ConclusionsIn radiological findings, medial meniscus resection decreased medial joint space width two years after ACL reconstruction. On the other hand, treatment methods for meniscus neither significantly affected subjective nor objective findings until the 2-year follow-up.Level of evidenceⅡ, Cohort study.     

Clinical analysis of the pivot shift tests: description of the pivot drawer test

A clinical analysis of the pivot shift was performed by evaluating 100 patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency in an office setting. Each patient was examined in a random order using the Macintosh, Losee, Hughston, Slocum, pivot drawer, and flexion rotation drawer versions of the pivot shift test. Pathologic anterior tibial displacement was estimated with the Lachman test and quantitatively measured using the KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer. Pivot shift was graded as 0 (absent), grade I (slight), grade II (definite subluxation), and grade III (subluxation and momentary locking). The presence or absence of any degree of pivot shift was correlated with the arthroscopic finding of a torn ACL. Results indicated the "drawer type" tests were significantly more sensitive than other versions of the pivot shift because they can be performed without causing significant pain and muscle spasm, and the limb position maximizes pathologic coupled motion. A correlation between increasing displacement estimated with the Lachman test and measured displacement with the KT-1000 arthrometer revealed that as pathologic displacement increases so does the grade of the Slocum, pivot drawer, and flexion rotation drawer tests. We recommend using the pivot drawer or flexion rotation drawer as a standard method for assessing the pivot shift phenomenon.     

前十字韧带断裂继发半月板损害的临床研究

目的研究前十字韧带(anteriorcruciateligament,ACL)断裂对半月板的影响。方法回顾分析1984年12月～1999年12月间收治的419例ACL断裂患者半月板的损伤情况及其与软骨损伤的关系。结果外侧半月板的损伤率随病程增加无显著变化,而内侧半月板的损伤率随病程增加显著增加,由急性期的31.1%增至亚慢性期的48.2%(P<0.01),又增至慢性期的78.8%(P<0.001)。内侧半月板后角损伤率较前角高,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。损伤形态以纵裂最常见,随着病程的增加,半月板损伤也越发复杂。内侧半月板损伤患者的内髁软骨损伤的发生率要高于内侧半月板正常者的内髁软骨损伤发生率,但差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);而外侧半月板损伤患者的外髁软骨损伤的发生率却显著高于外侧半月板正常者,差异有非常显著性意义(P<0.01)。结论ACL断裂可伴发和继发半月板的损害,ACL断裂时伴发的多为外侧半月板的损伤,而继发的半月板损害却以内侧为重。内髁软骨损害主要由股胫关节前后向不稳、异常活动增加造成,而与内侧半月板的损伤关系不大。     

The short-term outcome of surgical treatment for painful varus arthritis in association with chronic ACL deficiency

A review of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency, symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis, and varus malalignment of the knee was performed. Twenty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Twelve patients were treated with a valgus closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy (group 1). Fourteen patients were treated with a valgus closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy combined with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (group 2). Twenty-five patients were available for follow-up at a minimum of 2 years. For group 1 patients, high tibial osteotomy alone had no effect on the Lachman test or pivot shift phenomena. For group 2 patients, combined high tibial osteotomy/ACL reconstruction resulted in a grade 1 Lachman test in 11 of 13 patients, and a negative pivot shift in 12 of 13 patients. No deficits in range of motion were noted in either group. Prior to surgery, 14 (56%) patients participated in recreational sports; 23 (92%) patients were able to participate in recreational sports at follow-up. Radiographs demonstrated osteoarthritic progression in group 1 and 2 patients (P<.05). The results of this study suggest that high tibial osteotomy alone and combined high tibial osteotomy/ACL reconstructions are effective in the surgical treatment of varus, ACL-deficient knees with symptomatic medial compartment arthritis; however, good or excellent results were more often seen after the combined procedure.     

Manual laxity tests for anterior cruciate ligament injuries

The manual laxity examination is the primary means by which clinicians evaluate ACL injuries. This paper reviews the literature and identifies the following ACL laxity tests: anterior drawer test, Lachman test. MacIntosh test, jerk test, flexion rotation drawer test, Slocum test, and the Losee test. Test technique, grading, limitations, and reliability are discussed for each test. General limitations of manual laxity tests are also presented. A review of ACL anatomy and the biomechanics of the pivot shift sign are provided to facilitate an understanding of the underlying principles of ACL laxity tests. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1990;11(10):474-481.     

Evaluation of knee instability in acute ligamentous injuries

The stability on clinical examination (CE) and examination under anaesthesia (EUA) was evaluated in 350 consecutive acute knee injuries. Valgus instability in knees with a medial collateral tear was observed on CE in 62 and on EUA in 67 cases (p less than 0.05). The anterior drawer sign was positive in 55 patients on CE and in 110 patients on EUA (p less than 0.0001), the corresponding figures for the Lachman test were 66 and 126 respectively (p less than 0.0001). The pivot shift-test was positive in 13 cases on CE and in 87 under anaesthesia (p less than 0.0001). Fresh total tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (confirmed at arthrotomy, n = 79) were detected by the Lachman test in 48 per cent on CE and in 96 per cent on EUA. Of the nine fresh, total tears of the posterior cruciate ligament three were disclosed by the posterior drawer test on CE and all nine on EUA. Anteromedial rotatory instability was observed on CE in 10 patients and on EUA in 47 (p less than 0.0001). In these patients 41 medial collateral tears, 23 posteromedial capsular tears, 21 medial meniscus and 40 anterior cruciate lesions were found. On CE only one anterolateral rotatory instability was found, whereas EUA disclosed 9 cases. Posteromedial rotatory instability was not confirmed on CE, though on EUA four cases were found. CE and EUA detected 2 and 3 posterolateral instabilities respectively. In conclusion, the use of EUA with an adequate mode of stability evaluation in acute knee injuries is strongly advocated. Clinical examination is considered highly unreliable with many false negative findings.     

The pivot shift test is of limited clinical relevance in the arthritic anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee

The pivot shift test is used to assess the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This test has been shown to be highly sensitive in detecting instability in knees with complete ACL rupture. However, in the presence of osteoarthritis, the rotation and subluxation required for the pivot shift to be effective can be limited and therefore is likely to impact upon the reliability of this test. We performed the pivot shift test on 50 patients, under general anesthesia, prior to total knee replacement and then recorded the integrity of the ACL intraoperatively. This allowed us to assess the accuracy of this test in the presence of significant osteoarthritis. Of the 50 knees tested, none had a positive pivot shift test preoperatively; however, 14% of the knees included in the study had a completely ruptured ACL. This gives a sensitivity of 0% and a specificity of 1% for the pivot shift test for ACL ruptures in the presence of established osteoarthritis. We conclude that the pivot shift test may not be a reliable test for ACL function in the presence of symptomatic arthritis of the knee.