Fig. 3.

Most frequently used tests to demonstrate a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury. a) Posterior ‘drawer’ test. The knee is flexed at 90°, the hip is flexed at 45°, the foot is stabilised and the tibia is in neutral position. A posterior direction force is applied to the proximal tibia. Posterior subluxation of the tibia is assessed by measuring of the displacement of the medial tibial plateau related to the medial femoral condyle. b) ‘Dial’ test. An increase of external rotation (> 10°) with the knee at 90° and 30° of flexion is suggestive of a PCL and posterolateral corner (PLC) injury. If the increase is only at 30° but not at 90°, the PCL is intact but a PLC injury exists. c) External rotation-recurvatum test. This test is positive if the knee acquires hyperextension, varus angulation and external rotation of the tibia compared with the contralateral side.