Name a common test used to assess the stability of the ACL.

The Lachman test is a commonly used clinical assessment to evaluate the stability of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This test specifically targets the integrity of the ACL by examining the amount of anterior translation of the tibia in relation to the femur. In this test, the patient is typically positioned supine with one knee flexed at about 20 to 30 degrees. The clinician stabilizes the femur with one hand while applying an anterior force to the tibia with the other hand. A significant amount of forward movement—often perceived as a "soft" or "excessive" endpoint compared to the opposite knee—indicates potential damage or laxity of the ACL.

Other tests, while useful in assessing different aspects of knee instability or meniscal injuries, do not specifically focus on the ACL. The McMurray test is designed to detect meniscal tears, while the Apley test assesses both meniscal and ligamentous injuries but not specifically targeting the ACL. The Drawer test, though it can assess ACL stability by testing anterior and posterior translation, is less sensitive and often performed with the knee in a different position. Thus, the Lachman test is recognized as one of the most accurate and reliable methods for evaluating ACL integrity in clinical