SLOCUM TEST WITH EXTERNAL TIBIA ROTATION

TEST POSITIONING

The client lies supine with the test hip flexed to 45-degrees, knee flexed to 90-degrees and tibia externally rotated 15 to 20 degrees.

The therapist sits on the client's foot with both hands behind the client's proximal tibia and thumbs on the tibial plateau.

ACTION

Apply an anterior force to the proximal tibia.

The hamstring tendons should be palpated frequently with the index fingers to ensure relaxation.

POSITIVE FINDING

Increased anterior tibial displacement, particularly of the medial tibial condyle, as compared to the uninvolved side is indicative of anteromedial rotary instability secondary to damage to primarily the medial collateral ligament (MCL), ACL, and posteromedial capsule.

CONSIDERATIONS & COMMENTS

The therapist must avoid maximally rotating the tibia, as this will tighten most of the surrounding structures and create a high potential for false-negative findings.