Quadriceps Active Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 1
Quadriceps Active Test

What is the "Quadriceps Active Test" used for?

  • Quadriceps Active Test is used to evaluate the posterior cruciate ligament injury at the knee joint.
  • This test works by contractions of the quadriceps being transmitted to the tibial tubercle via the patella and the patellar tendon.

How to perform the "Quadriceps Active Test"?

  • The patient lies in the supine position and the relaxed limb is supported with the knee flexed to 90 degrees in the drawer-test position, hip is flexed 45° and the foot is in neutral position.
  • The patient is asked to execute a gentle quadriceps contraction to shift the tibia without extending the knee.

What is the positive result?

  • If the PCL is ruptured, the tibia sags into posterior subluxation (2 mm or more), and the patellar ligament is then directed anteriorly.

Test Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 54%
  • Specificity: 97%

References

  1. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention 3rd Edition.
  2. Janousek, Andreas & Jones, Deryk & Clatworthy, Mark & Higgins, Laurence & Fu, Freddie. (2000). Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries of the Knee Joint. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.). 28. 429-41. 10.2165/00007256-199928060-00005. Link
  3. Quadriceps Active Test – Orthofixar