What aspect is evaluated using the Lachman test?

The Lachman test is specifically designed to assess the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). During the test, the patient's knee is placed in a slightly flexed position, and the examiner pulls the tibia forward while stabilizing the femur. A positive test indicates increased forward movement of the tibia compared to the femur, which suggests a tear or injury of the ACL. This makes the evaluation of ACL injuries the focus of the Lachman test, as it is considered one of the most sensitive and reliable methods for assessing this particular ligament. Understanding this test is essential for identifying knee stability issues related to ACL injuries in clinical practice.