Apley Distraction Test

Apley Distraction Test is used to evaluate the integrity of the Collateral Ligaments of the knee, it’s used along with Apley Grinding Test for meniscus injuries of the knee.

How it’s Performed?

• The patient is placed in prone position, with the affected knee flexed to 90 degrees,
• The examiner places their own knee on patient’s posterior thigh to stabilize it.
• Then he/she grasps patient’s leg proximal to the ankle, then applies traction to the tibia towards the ceiling (this distracts the knee joint), then apply internal and external rotation of the tibia while tractioning.

What does a positive Apley Distraction Test mean?

Apley Distraction Test is considered Positive in these situateions::

• When Pain is elected on the medial side of the knee: this suggests a medial collateral ligament injury.
• While when Pain is elected on the lateral side of the knee: this suggests a lateral collateral ligament injury.

Reference

• Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System 3rd Edition.