What does Lachman’s test assess?

Lachman’s test is specifically designed to assess the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This test evaluates the stability of the knee joint by checking for excessive anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur, which would indicate a potential ACL tear or sprain.

During the test, the examiner stabilizes the femur with one hand while pulling the tibia forward with the other hand. A significant forward movement of the tibia compared to the intact femur suggests that the ACL is compromised. This makes Lachman’s test a crucial tool in determining ACL injuries, as it is both a sensitive and specific method for diagnosing such conditions.

In contrast, the other options relate to different structures and injuries in the knee, such as meniscal tears, patellar instability, and injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), each of which would be evaluated through different tests and assessments.