ACL and PCL Assessment Quiz

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a key ligament in the knee joint that helps to stabilize the knee and prevent excessive forward movement of the tibia (shinbone). This ligament originates on the inner side of the femur (thighbone) and attaches to the top of the tibia.

The Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) is another crucial ligament in the knee joint. It helps to stabilize the knee and prevent excessive backward movement of the tibia. The PCL attaches to the back of the tibia and inserts onto the front of the femur.

The Posterior Drawer test checks for PCL tears. It's done by pulling the tibia backwards while the knee is bent at a 90-degree angle. This test has a high specificity, meaning a positive test strongly suggests a PCL tear (but it's not foolproof).

The Lachman's test is used to check for ACL tears. It involves gently pulling the tibia forward while the knee is lightly bent. This test is highly sensitive, meaning a positive result is likely an ACL tear.

The Anterior Drawer test checks for ACL tears by pulling the tibia forward at a 90-degree angle. While it has a lower sensitivity than the Lachman's test, it remains a valuable assessment tool.

A special test used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by pressing on the median nerve in the wrist.

Evaluates De Quervain's tenosynovitis by stretching the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.

A special test that checks for instability between two bones in the wrist, the scaphoid and lunate bones.

A limitation of special tests for wrist and hand conditions.

A condition in which the median nerve in the wrist gets compressed, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.

The Extensor Pollicis Brevis originates on the posterior surface of the lower third of the radius, below the origin of the Extensor Pollicis Longus, and inserts on the base of the thumb's proximal phalanx.

The Abductor Pollicis Longus originates on the posterior surface of the upper half of the radius and inserts on the medial aspect of the thumb's proximal phalanx, as well as the extensor hood.

The Scapho-Lunate Ligament connects the scaphoid and lunate bones, attaching to the most proximal and superior part of the articular surface between them.

This test evaluates the knee reflex, which checks the function of the L2, L3, and L4 spinal nerves. A more forceful knee kick indicates hyperflexion.

Informed consent involves informing a patient about a procedure, obtaining their permission to proceed, and allowing them to withdraw consent at any time.

A dermatome is an area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve root. It's like a map showing which nerve root controls which part of your body.

The C6 nerve root supplies sensation to the tip of the thumb and the radial side of the wrist.

The Walker Reflex Scale quantifies the strength of reflexes on a scale from 0 to 5, 0 being absent and 5 being sustained clonus. It's used to assess nerve function.

A brisk reflex (3+) could be normal or abnormal depending on the individual's history.

Westphal's Sign indicates a weak knee-jerk reflex, suggesting a potential issue with the L2, L3, or L4 nerve roots.