Question

Difficulty: EasyOrthopedic Surgery

Match each of the following orthopedic physical examination maneuvers with the underlying structural injury it is most specifically designed to evaluate.

  • Lachman testAnterior cruciate ligament tear
  • McMurray testMeniscal tear
  • Empty can (Jobe) testSupraspinatus tendon tear
  • Apprehension testAnterior glenohumeral instability

Answer

Lachman test matches with Anterior cruciate ligament tear; McMurray test matches with Meniscal tear; Empty can (Jobe) test matches with Supraspinatus tendon tear; Apprehension test matches with Anterior glenohumeral instability.
Each specific physical examination maneuver is biomechanically designed to stress a particular anatomical structure. The Lachman test targets the ACL, the McMurray test targets the menisci, the Empty can test isolates the supraspinatus, and the Apprehension test stresses the anterior glenohumeral joint capsule.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the Lachman test.
It evaluates anterior tibial excursion.
Excessive anterior excursion of the tibia signifies loss of the stabilizing function of the anterior cruciate ligament.
2
Analyze the McMurray test.
It assesses for clicking or catching during knee rotation and extension.
This maneuver pinches the meniscus between the femoral condyles and tibial plateau, provoking symptoms in the presence of a meniscal tear.
3
Analyze the Empty can test.
It assesses strength and pain in scapular plane abduction with internal rotation.
This specific position biomechanically isolates the supraspinatus tendon of the rotator cuff.
4
Analyze the Apprehension test.
It tests for the patient's subjective feeling of impending shoulder dislocation.
Abduction and external rotation is the classic mechanism for anterior shoulder dislocation, testing the anterior capsule and glenohumeral ligaments.

Key Concept

Orthopedic Physical Examination Maneuvers
Rate this question