Quantitative measurement of the pivot shift, reliability, and clinical applications

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012 Apr;20(4):686-91. doi: 10.1007/s00167-011-1849-6. Epub 2011 Dec 31.

Abstract

Static load-displacement measurement is unrelated to the dynamic knee function of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency. Performing an accurate, dynamic functional evaluation is necessary not only for the primary ACL injury, but also as an outcome measurement in ACL reconstruction. The pivot shift test is commonly used for assessing dynamic rotatory knee laxity in ACL-insufficient knees and is related to subjective knee function. Residual pivot shift after ACL reconstruction is a crucial factor related to poor clinical outcome. However, the pivot shift test is subjectively determined by the examiners' hands. Not only 3-dimensional (3D) position displacement but also its 3D acceleration should be measured for quantitative evaluation of the pivot shift test and is currently feasible by using recent advanced technology, i.e., electromagnetic devices. We summarize the basic knowledge and current concepts of quantitative exploration of the dynamic knee movement during the pivot shift test.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / methods*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / diagnosis*
  • Knee Injuries / physiopathology
  • Knee Injuries / surgery
  • Male
  • Physical Examination / methods
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results