Case Report Conclusion:
Lachman Exam is a good special test to exam the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Valgus stress test is an exam used to test the integrity of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and medial joint capsule.
Anterior Drawer Test is an exam used to test the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament but not as sensitive as the Lachman Exam.
An MRI would likely be ordered to confirm the physical exam as well as look for other anomalies. In this case, the MRI revealed a medial meniscus tear. There are special tests used to assess the meniscus, but they are not very sensitive. Also, they require a lot of manipulation of the joint and likely would not be able to be performed when the patient is acute because of pain.
The Diagnosis of Unhappy Triad is now made. That is a complete tear of the ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus.
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