HUGHSTON'S PLICA TEST

TEST POSITIONING

The client lies supine with the involved knee extended and relaxed.

The therapist stands on the involved side and places the heel of one hand over the lateral border of the patella, with the fingers of that hand positioned over the medial femoral condyle.

The therapist's other hand is placed around the client's ankle and foot.

ACTION

The therapist passively flexes and extends the client's knee while simultaneously internally rotating the tibia and pushing the patella medially.

POSITIVE FINDING

Pain and/or popping over the medial aspect of the knee is indicative of an abnormal plica.

Plica bands may be present and asymptomatic in an otherwise healthy individual.

Thus, the location of the band will determine whether or not patella tracking will be affected.

CONSIDERATIONS & COMMENTS

Aggressive approach to assessing an inflamed plica may lead to further irritation of the structure.