The reverse pivot shift test assesses posterolateral rotation of the knee, and indirectly the integrity of the structures of the posterolateral corner, including the posterior cruciate ligament.

 

How to perform a reverse pivot shift test

The patient lies on their back with the knee bent. The examiner takes hold of the lower leg in one hand and flexes the hip to 90 degrees, maintaining the knee also at 90. With the other hand the examiner applies some valgus stress to the knee together with some external rotation. Slowly the knee is extended, observing any sudden pivot of the tibia on the femur.

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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

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