Knee
Patellofemoral
Evidence: confirmed
Hughston’s Plica Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Suprapatellar Plica Syndrome.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient supine.
- Action: Flex knee, internally rotate tibia, push patella medially. Flex and extend the knee.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: A palpable “pop” or snap is felt under the fingers.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Hughston’s Plica 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 Hughston’s Plica Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
