The Lachman test is a medical exam used to test the flexibility and range of motion of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee to determine if there is any injury, including tears. It is considered the most efficient and accurate means of diagnosing problems with the ligament and is used extensively in sports medicine and by orthopedic doctors. The test helps rule out a torn ligament as the cause of knee pain and allows for early detection of emerging problems, which can shorten the recovery period and avoid surgery.
The Lachman test is a type of medical exam that is used to test the degree of flexibility in the knee and the range of motion of the anterior cruciate ligament that runs along the tibia. The purpose of the test is to determine if there is any injury to the ligament, including a tear. The Lachman knee test is considered the most efficient and accurate means of diagnosing problems with the anterior cruciate ligament and is used extensively in sports medicine.
Named for John Lachman, an orthopedic surgeon who perfected the technique, the basics of the test involve placing the patient in the prone position on a treatment table. To begin the exam, the patient’s knee should be flexed to a point of approximately twenty to thirty degrees. The individual conducting the exam places a hand behind the tibia. The other hand is placed on the patient’s thigh.
The next part of the Lachman test allows you to begin examining the anterior cruciate ligament. As the tibia is slowly pulled, the examiner notes the performance of the ligament. If the ligament is intact and functioning properly, it will limit the range of motion to a normal value. In the event that the ligament is torn, there will be an excessive amount of movement, as well as an end point that is slightly soft to the touch.
When a Lachman test indicates the presence of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the result is known as a positive test. If the knee, shin, and ligaments function within an acceptable range of motion, this is known as a negative Lachman test, which indicates that there are no rips, tears, or other serious damage. The test helps rule out a torn ligament as the cause of any knee pain you have and allows your doctor to look into other potential reasons for the discomfort.
Sports medicine professionals are familiar with the administration of the Lachman test. Professional athletes are at high risk of leg and knee injuries. Early detection of emerging problems with the shinbone and the ligaments surrounding the shinbone allows treatment to begin immediately, which in turn can often shorten the recovery period. For this reason, team doctors often include this test as part of the regular checkups provided to each player.
Orthopedic doctors also regularly use the Lachman test. The nature of the test helps determine if a problem is developing that will ultimately impact the natural range of motion in the knee and shinbone. By identifying the health problem early, it is sometimes possible to relieve pressure on the ligament before it ruptures completely, thus avoiding surgery.
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