pivot shift

Last reviewed 01/2018

The pivot shift test is a test for anterior cruciate stability. When this ligament is lax, the pivot between the lateral femoral condyle and lateral tibial condyle is unstable. Thus if the knee is medially rotated, the tibia may be displaced forwards with respect to the femur. This subluxation is spontaneously reduced when the knee is flexed, giving a palpable or visible jerk.