The Slocum test is a modification of the anterior drawer test and assesses the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
The Slocum test assesses anteromedial rotary instability and anterolateral rotary instability of the knee. This means looseness both in a frontwards direction and in twisting movements..
How to perform the Slocum test
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"When anterointernal tibial luxation is present, a reduction phenomenon is felt as the knee passes into the 25 to 40 degree flexion range. This may occur as a sudden palpable and occasionally audible repositioning which is responsible for such terminology as a "pivot shift" or "jerk sign." "
Citation: Slocum DB, James SL, Larson RL, Singer KM. Clinical test for anterolateral rotary instability of the knee. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1976 Jul-Aug;(118):63-9. PMID: 954292.
Interpreting a positive Slocum test
If the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is torn, the assumption of this examination position particularly in the heavier patient, will allow gravity to internally rotate and sublux the tibia anteriorly. The manoeuvre of the examiner reduces the subluxation, confirming an incompetent ACL.
- HOMEPAGE
- KNEE DISORDERS
- CRUCIATE LIGAMENT
- CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY
- ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY
Other relevant material -
- Anterior drawer test
- Pivot shift test
- Lachman test
- Anteromedial rotatory instability
- Anterolateral rotatory instability
Course - 2009 -
2009 - Posterolateral corner injuries of the knee - by Dr Frank R Noyes (Knee Surgeon)