Dial test is a hands-on knee exam used to assess abnormal rotation of the lower leg. It is most commonly used when clinicians suspect injury to the posterolateral corner of the knee. It compares how far the tibia (shinbone) externally rotates on one side versus the other. It is frequently discussed in sports medicine and orthopedic evaluations after twisting injuries.

Varus stress test is a hands-on knee exam used to check the stability of the outer (lateral) side of the knee. It helps clinicians assess whether the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and nearby structures may be injured. It is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, emergency settings, and physical therapy evaluations. It is usually performed during a physical exam and may be paired with imaging when needed.

The Valgus stress test is a hands-on knee exam used to check the integrity of the medial (inner) stabilizers of the knee. It applies a controlled “valgus” force, meaning the lower leg is gently pushed outward relative to the thigh. It is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, emergency care, and physical therapy after knee injuries. It helps clinicians decide whether the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and nearby tissues may be sprained or torn.

The Quadriceps active test is a hands-on knee exam used to assess certain ligament injuries. It looks for abnormal movement of the shin bone (tibia) relative to the thigh bone (femur). It is most commonly discussed in the evaluation of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury. Clinicians may use it in sports medicine, orthopedics, emergency settings, and physical therapy assessments.

The Godfrey test is a physical exam maneuver used to assess the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) of the knee. It looks for a “posterior sag” of the tibia (shinbone) relative to the femur (thighbone). It is commonly used in orthopedic, sports medicine, and physical therapy knee evaluations. Clinicians often use it alongside other knee stability tests and imaging when needed.

Posterior sag sign is a physical exam finding used to assess the stability of the knee. It describes a “sagging” backward position of the tibia (shin bone) relative to the femur (thigh bone). Clinicians most commonly use it when a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury is suspected. It is typically checked during an in-office orthopedic, sports medicine, or physical therapy knee exam.

Posterior drawer test is a hands-on knee exam used to check for looseness of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). It looks for backward movement of the shinbone (tibia) relative to the thighbone (femur). It is commonly used after knee injuries in sports, falls, or motor-vehicle crashes. It is also used in orthopedic, sports medicine, and physical therapy assessments of knee stability.

The KT-1000 test is a clinical measurement used to assess knee ligament looseness. It uses a handheld device (an arthrometer) to quantify how much the tibia moves forward relative to the femur. It is most commonly used when an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is suspected or being followed over time. It may be used in sports medicine clinics, orthopedic offices, and rehabilitation settings.

Lever sign is a hands-on knee exam maneuver used to assess the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It is commonly performed in sports medicine, orthopedics, emergency settings, and physical therapy exams. In plain terms, it checks whether the shin bone (tibia) is being held in place the way it should be. It is one of several clinical tests clinicians may use when an ACL injury is suspected.

Pivot shift test is a hands-on knee exam used to assess rotational instability. It is most commonly used when an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is suspected. The maneuver attempts to reproduce a “giving way” pattern some people feel during cutting or pivoting. It is used in orthopedic and sports medicine clinics, and sometimes in the operating room under anesthesia.