A Lachman test is used to confirm the flexibility and sturdiness of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee, and to detect meniscal damage. The test is performed by placing the applicant flat on their back. Then, they must slightly rotate their knee externally, and bend it at about a 20 or 30 degree angle. The next step is for the examiner to firmly grasp the femur with one hand, and then to use the thumb of the other hand to apply pressure to the joint line on the back of the knee. If the movement of the knee has a soft or mushy end point, then the test is positive. A positive test indicates that there is an existing ACL tear, as well as meniscal damage. If the test comes back negative, that means that are no serious rips or tears present. Elaine’s injured right knee came back positive, indicating she had both an ACL tear, and meniscus damage. …show more content…
Scott. He ordered an MRI. An MRI is a test that uses radio waves and magnetic field gradients to create detailed images of the inside of the human body. Dr. Scott ordered this test because it will give him a different, clearer perspective of Elaine’s injury as compared to the x-ray she got. For example, x-rays are great for showing bone fractures, because the contrast between bones and tissues are so clear. In an MRI, the differences between different tissues are easily identified, producing a much more detailed image. This is the reason Dr. Scott ordered one, so that he could more easily identify any tears or obstruction on Elaine’s cartilage, ligaments, joints, or muscles of her knee. MRI’s are also safer, because it uses low-energy radio waves and no radiation, so there are no health risks and no side-effects.