During the Slocum Test, what indicates instability on the anteromedial side?

Get ready for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Study with multiple-choice questions, detailed explanations, and hints. Maximize your exam potential!

The Slocum Test is a specific orthopedic maneuver used to assess instability in the knee, particularly concerning the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the collateral ligaments. When evaluating instability on the anteromedial side of the knee, movement of the tibia with internal rotation is significant. This finding indicates a potential damage to the anterior cruciate ligament and/or the medial collateral ligament, which normally helps stabilize the tibia against rotational and translational forces.

In the context of the test, the internal rotation of the tibia while applying a force reflects that the knee may not be able to maintain stability when subjected to certain stressors. The presence of instability in this manner suggests that the supporting structures of the knee on the anteromedial aspect are compromised, hence signaling a possible injury that needs further investigation or intervention.

Other indicators like a clicking sound during manipulation, presence of pain, or tibial movement with external rotation are relevant to different aspects of knee stability evaluation or may suggest other types of knee injuries but are not the primary indicators for instability specifically on the anteromedial side as assessed by the Slocum Test.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy