Jerk Test of Hughston

Execution:

  1. Patient is in supine lying position with the hip flexed to 45° and knee flexed to 90°
  2. The examiner uses one hand to apply internal tibial rotation and places the other hand over the proximal tibial plateau and fibula
  3. Then the examiner applies a valgus force to the knee and slowly extends the knee

 

Positive Outcome: A sudden acceleration or jerk during the movement, usually at around 30° of flexion characterised by the anterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau. The tibia will suddenly reduce again when the knee reaches full extension

Study Reliability Sn Sp LR+ LR-
Hughston et al. (1976) NA NA NA NA NA
Jensen (1990) NA NA NA NA NA