What is the purpose of the Apley compression test?

What is the purpose of the Apley compression test?

• A. Differentiate meniscal pathology from ligamentous injury.
• B. Assess range of motion of the knee.
• C. Evaluate collateral ligament laxity.
• D. Test anterior cruciate ligament stability.

Answer: (A)

The goal of this test is to distinguish a meniscal problem from a ligament injury in the knee. With the patient lying face down and the knee bent to about 90 degrees, the examiner presses down on the heel to push the tibia into the femur while rotating the tibia internally and externally. If this compression reproduces pain in the joint line, it suggests a meniscal issue. To help differentiate, the examiner then releases the compression (distraction) while keeping the rotation and pressure; if the pain eases with distraction, this points toward a meniscal tear rather than a ligament injury. If the pain persists despite distraction, a ligamentous injury is more likely.

The goal of this test is to distinguish a meniscal problem from a ligament injury in the knee. With the patient lying face down and the knee bent to about 90 degrees, the examiner presses down on the heel to push the tibia into the femur while rotating the tibia internally and externally. If this compression reproduces pain in the joint line, it suggests a meniscal issue. To help differentiate, the examiner then releases the compression (distraction) while keeping the rotation and pressure; if the pain eases with distraction, this points toward a meniscal tear rather than a ligament injury. If the pain persists despite distraction, a ligamentous injury is more likely.