A Seated Single-Person Dial-Test for Posterolateral Corner and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Injuries

Abstract

Background: Injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee (PLC) can be difficult to diagnose and are often missed. The prone dial test can be difficult to perform in the acute setting and the supine dial test requires an assistant. Purpose: We present a simple single person seated dial test that can easily be performed in all patients with a suspected diagnosis of PLC injury. Study Design: Case Series. Method: The patient is seated on the edge of the examination couch with their knees flexed over the side and their calves pressed against the couch to reduce any posterior tibial subluxation. The patients' knees are placed together ensuring the pelvis is square; the knees are at the same level, and the patellae are facing anteriorly. The patients place their hands against the side of their knees and hold their knees together in this position. The examiner then grasps the patient's feet, approximates the medial malleoli and exerts a lateral rotational force at 30 and 90 degrees of knee flexion. Results: This test has 100% accuracy for diagnosing PLC injury in our institution. Conclusion: We present a sample to use alternative to traditional dial testing that does not require an assistant and also does not require the patient to be prone, thus limiting discomfort in the acute setting.