The patella grind test is primarily used to assess what?

The patella grind test is primarily used to assess what?

• A. Patellofemoral joint irritation
• B. ACL integrity
• C. Medial collateral ligament
• D. Meniscal tear

Answer: (A)

It assesses patellofemoral joint irritation. In this test, you press the patella against the femur while the patient contracts the quadriceps, usually with the knee in slight flexion. Pain or a grinding/crepitus feeling indicates involvement of the patellofemoral articulation—often patellofemoral pain syndrome or cartilage irritation. This test targets the joint between the patella and femur, not ligaments or menisci, which are evaluated with other maneuvers (for example, ACL with Lachman or anterior drawer; MCL with valgus stress; meniscal tears with McMurray or Thessaly). So the primary use is to detect patellofemoral joint irritation.

It assesses patellofemoral joint irritation. In this test, you press the patella against the femur while the patient contracts the quadriceps, usually with the knee in slight flexion. Pain or a grinding/crepitus feeling indicates involvement of the patellofemoral articulation—often patellofemoral pain syndrome or cartilage irritation. This test targets the joint between the patella and femur, not ligaments or menisci, which are evaluated with other maneuvers (for example, ACL with Lachman or anterior drawer; MCL with valgus stress; meniscal tears with McMurray or Thessaly). So the primary use is to detect patellofemoral joint irritation.