Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:43
Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
Published on: July 7, 2016
Editorial Commentary: The Knee External Rotation Recurvatum Test Is Not Diagnostic of a Specific Ligament Injury
1Cincinnati Sportsmedicine and Orthopedic Center, Loveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Summary
The external rotation recurvatum test for knee ligament integrity needs reassessment. Posterolateral injuries alone do not cause a positive test, requiring combined knee exams for accurate evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Biomechanics
- Knee Anatomy
Background:
- The external rotation recurvatum test has been a standard orthopaedic assessment for knee ligamentous integrity for over 50 years.
- Previous understanding suggested this test solely evaluated posterolateral knee structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the external rotation recurvatum test.
- To determine the specific ligamentous structures responsible for a positive test result.
Main Methods:
- Sequential cadaveric knee dissection and ligamentous sectioning.
- Analysis of knee stability under varus, external rotation, and hyperextension forces.
Main Results:
- Posterolateral ligamentous injuries in isolation do not produce a positive external rotation recurvatum test.
- A positive test result is associated with combined injuries affecting varus, external rotation, and hyperextension stability.
Conclusions:
- The external rotation recurvatum test is not solely indicative of posterolateral knee injuries.
- Comprehensive knee examinations assessing multiple planes of stability are necessary for accurate diagnosis of knee hyperextension instability.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Knee Joint
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
01:23Muscles that Move the Leg
The movement of the legs is facilitated by numerous muscles located within the anterior, medial, and posterior compartments of the thigh.
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...