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Reverse Lachman Test

Source: Physiotutors

Execution

  1. 1Position the patient supine with the knee flexed to approximately 20 to 30 degrees.
  2. 2Stabilize the distal femur with one hand.
  3. 3Grasp the proximal tibia with the other hand.
  4. 4Push the tibia posteriorly relative to the femur.
  5. 5Compare posterior translation and end feel with the opposite knee.

Positive outcome

Excessive posterior tibial translation or a soft posterior end point is positive for PCL injury. The test is a low-flexion posterior translation test. It is less commonly used than posterior drawer.

Studies

StudyReliabilitySnSpLR+LR−
Magee reference table for PCL testsNANANANANA

CommentReverse Lachman is a PCL adaptation of the Lachman concept. It can help when 90-degree positioning is not tolerated, but modern diagnostic literature emphasizes posterior drawer, posterior sag, and quadriceps active tests. Value is low to moderate because standalone data are limited.

Low Clinical Value

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