Comparison Of Anterior Drawer, Lachman And Pivot Shift In Case Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Abstract

Introduction: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a very commonly injured ligament of knee. Several physical examination tests are performed for evaluating ACL stability. The Lachman, pivot-shift and anterior drawer tests are commonly performed for evaluating the knee laxity.

Aim: To compare Anterior drawer test, Lachman test and Pivot shift test in case of ACL tear.

Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Government Medical College, Kathua, Jammu, India, from August 2021-july 2022. Total 50 patients were included (age group 18-60 years) with symptomatic ACL tear. Three test included Anterior drawer test, Lachman test and Pivot shift were performed and findings were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Total 50 patients were evaluated and analysed including 60% males (n=30) and 40% females (n=20). The mean age of the patients was 34.5±2.6 years. Sensitivity, specificity of anterior drawer test were 83%, 87%, respectively; for Lachman test were 88%, 87% respectively; and for pivot shift were 40%,96% respectively.

Conclusion: The pivot shift showed high specificity, but low sensitivity in the detection of ACL tears in comparison to anterior drawer test and Lachman test.