Knee Pivot Shift Test

What is the "Knee Pivot Shift Test" used for?

• Diagnosis of rotatory instability related to ACL tear

How to perform the "Knee Pivot Shift Test"?

• Flexing the knee from 0° (full extension) to 90° of knee flexion while applying an internal rotation stress to the tibia and a valgus stress to the knee.

What is the positive result?

• A positive test is seen with a rapid anterior subluxation of the tibia at 20–30° of flexion as it reduces under the femoral condyles.
• Functionally, this is reproducing the event that occurs when the knee gives way due to ACL rupture.

Test Accuracy

• Sensitivity: 24 %
• Specificity: 98 %

References

• NCBI PubMed
• Knee Pivot Shift Test | Orthofixar