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Lachman test
System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
With the knee bent slightly (about 20–30 degrees), the examiner pulls the top of the shin forward while holding the thigh steady; excessive forward movement with a soft end-point is positive.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee.
◈ Behind the name
John W. Lachman (1919–2007), American orthopaedic surgeon.
Related signs — Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs
Browse the L section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.