Lachman test

Lachman test is a clinical examination used to diagnose injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It is recognized as reliable, sensitive, and usually superior to the anterior drawer test.

Procedure

The Lachman test is performed with the patient lying down and the knee bent at a 20-30 degree angle. The examiner stabilizes the thigh with one hand, while the other hand pulls the tibia forward. An increased forward movement compared to the opposite knee or a soft end feel may indicate a torn ACL.

Interpretation

The results of the Lachman test are interpreted as follows:

• Grade 1: 5 mm or less of translation and a firm end point
• Grade 2: 5-10 mm of translation and a soft or absent end point
• Grade 3: More than 10 mm of translation and no end point

History

The Lachman test was described by John Lachman in 1976 as a modification of the anterior drawer test. It has since become the most reliable clinical test for assessing the integrity of the ACL.

See also

• Anterior cruciate ligament injury
• Drawer test
• Pivot-shift test

References

Lachman test Resources
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