Knee Orthopaedic Test: Ely's Test
May 27, 2023Ely's test is a physical examination technique used to evaluate the tightness of the quadriceps muscle, particularly the rectus femoris, which is located in the front of the thigh. Here is a step-by-step procedure for performing Ely's test:
- Ask the patient to lie prone (face down) on an examination table with their legs hanging freely off the edge.
- Flex the patient's knee and bring their heel towards their buttock.
- While holding the patient's hip to prevent movement, passively extend the patient's knee.
- Observe the patient's hip for any movement, such as lifting or tilting, which would indicate tightness in the rectus femoris muscle.
- Repeat the test on the other side for comparison.
References:
- Magee DJ. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2014.
- Kendall FP, McCreary EK, Provance PG, et al. Muscles: Testing and Function with Posture and Pain. 5th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.
- Prather H, Hunt D, Glisson R. Ely's test: a review of the literature. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013;8(4):537-542.
- Hegedus EJ, Cook C, Hasselblad V, et al. Physical examination tests for assessing a torn meniscus in the knee: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;37(9):541-550.
- Gilliaux M, Bruls O, Demoulin C, et al. Ely's test: assessment of rectus femoris muscle tightness in patients with cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2012;54(11):1039-1043.
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