Rehab Protocols
Interactive Knee Exam

PLC Instability

  1. Ext. Rotation Recurvatum Test
  2. Varus Stress Test
  3. Posterolateral Drawer Test
  4. Reverse Pivot Shift Test
  5. Dial Test at 30°
  6. Dial test at 90°
  7. Varus Thrust Gait
  8. KNEE HOME
After completion of the dial test at 30°, it is repeated at 90° (if it is found to be positive). In an isolated posterolateral knee injury, there sould be a slight decrease in external rotation compared to 30°. However if there is a concurrent PCL tear, there will be an increase of external rotation at 90° compared to 30°.
This is the initial starting position for a patient with a positive dial test at 90°.
An increase of the external rotation at 90° (compared to 30°) of knee flexion indicates a combined posterolateral and PCL injured knee.