Knee
Other Tests
Evidence: confirmed
Garrick Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Popliteus Tendinopathy.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient supine, hip/knee flexed 90°.
- Action: Patient actively externally rotates the tibia against resistance.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain in the posterolateral knee (popliteus area).
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Garrick Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Knee region, combining the Garrick Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
