Lachman test
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) testing
Assessment of ACL injured knees, pre and post-ACL injuries, including KT-100 arthrometry
About the anterior cruciate ligament
It can also be torn if your knee and lower leg are twisted. This injury is commonly obtained during physically active sports.
Need to know
-
What happens during a Lachman's assessment test? icon plus
Your consultant will test your knee's range of movement. To do this they will flex your knee to a moderate angle whilst you are lying face upwards.
They will place one hand behind your shinbone (tibia) and the other will grasp your thigh. Your shinbone is then pulled forward to assess the range of movement of your shinbone in comparison to your thighbone (femur). A normal ACL should have a firm endpoint where the knee can move no further, whilst a damaged ACL won't have a firm endpoint.
A medical tool called a KT-1000 is used to determine the size of movement in millimetres. -
How to prepare for the assessment icon plus
Your consultant will tell you how best to prepare for your test. You should wear loose fitting trousers that can easily be rolled up, or shorts, so the assessment can be carried out directly on the knee. -
After the assessment icon plus
There are no side effects or recovery time associated with this assessment. You'll be able to return to your normal daily routine immediately following the test. Your consultant will provide feedback on your results and advise your next steps.
Our ACL consultants
Our locations
From complex knee surgery to diagnostic tests, scans and minor procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
-
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
-
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
-
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
-
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
-
HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
-
Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
-
Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
-
The Wellington Hospital Knee Unit
Platinum Medical Centre
15 – 17 Lodge Road
NW8 7JA
-
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
Request an orthopaedic appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with an experienced orthopaedic or sports medicine consultant. We can also arrange imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments.
Call us today
020 7079 4344