PATELLAR GRIND TEST

(CLARKE'S SIGN)

​• Test positioning

The client lies supine with the knees extended.

The therapist stands next to the involved side and places the web space of the thumb on the superior border of the patella.

​• Action

The client is asked to contract the quadriceps muscle while the therapist applies downward and interior pressure on the patella.

​• Positive finding

Pain with movement of the patella or an inability to complete the test is indicative of chondromalacia patella.

​• Special considerations & comments

This test may be painful even for healthy clients, therefore, it is important to bilaterally compare.

This test may be repeated with the client's knee in 30-degrees and 60-degrees of flexion to assess varying surfaces of the patella.

From an objective perspective, chondromalacia can only be detected with surgical intervention, as it refers to a softening of the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella that is found with direct palpation.