Abstract
Purpose
To establish normative values for the magnitude of anterior tibial translation (ATT) in the Lachman and pivot shift tests in the intact and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient states, and to explore whether a correlation in ATT magnitude exists between the Lachman and pivot shift tests.
Methods
Twenty-six fresh frozen cadaveric hip-to-toe specimens were used. Mechanized testing was performed to simulate both a Lachman and pivot shift test with the ACL intact. Tests were repeated after sectioning the ACL. ATT was recorded using a computer navigation system. Difference in ATT after sectioning was calculated for each specimen.
Results
For the Lachman, mean lateral compartment ATT in the intact knee was 5.3 mm (SD = 2.8 mm). After sectioning the ACL, translation increased to 11.4 mm (SD = 3.9 mm; P < 0.05). For the mechanized pivot shift, mean lateral compartment ATT in the intact knee was −0.2 mm (SD = 2.6 mm). After sectioning the ACL, translation increased to 8.2 mm (SD = 3.1 mm; P < 0.05). No correlation in the magnitude of ATT was found between the intact and ACL-deficient knees for either the Lachman or pivot shift tests, or between both tests (Cronbach’s α < 0.7).
Conclusions
No correlation was found between the Lachman and pivot shift test in both the intact and ACL-deficient knee. This suggests that the Lachman cannot be used as a surrogate for the pivot shift as the magnitude of the Lachman did not predict the magnitude of the pivot shift.
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Dawson, C.K., Suero, E.M. & Pearle, A.D. Variability in knee laxity in anterior cruciate ligament deficiency using a mechanized model. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 21, 784–788 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-012-2170-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-012-2170-8