A functional assessment of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency in an acute and clinical setting.

There is a need for an improved test to assess the integrity of the ACL, especially following injury during athletic competition. Early intervention of acute ACL tears has been limited by the inability to obtain accurate initial evaluations. The following modification of the Lachman test is characterized by improved thigh stabilization, the assessment of anterior translation with an accurate endfeel, and its use as an acute on-field assessment technique. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1990;11(8):372-373.