Exam

Apley's Compression Test

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Apley's Compression Test, Apley's Distraction Test, Apley's Grind Test

  • Indication
  1. Evaluation for knee Meniscus Injury
  • Technique
  1. Images
    1. orthoKneeApleyGrind.jpg
  2. Patient position
    1. Patient lies prone on examining table
    2. Testing leg flexed to 90 degrees
  3. Compression Test
    1. Lean on patient's foot, applying pressure to heel
      1. Compresses tibia into femur
    2. Rotate tibia internally and externally on femur
  4. Distraction Test
    1. Kneel gently on back of patient's thigh to stabilize
    2. Apply traction to leg pulling tibia from femur
    3. Rotate tibia internally and externally
  • Interpretation
  1. Positive Compression Test suggests Meniscal Injury
    1. Pain with compression test (not with distraction)
  2. Positive Distraction Test suggests ligament injury
    1. Knee Pain with compression and distraction test