How do you perform the Hughston's plica test?

Prepare for the NPTE Musculoskeletal Exam with comprehensive questions and detailed explanations to boost your confidence and knowledge. Sharpen your skills and ace the exam!

Hughston's plica test is designed to evaluate the presence of a plical band or medial plica syndrome. To perform this test accurately, the knee should be flexed, and the tibia should be internally rotated. The clinician then glides the patella medially. This positioning helps to place tension on the medial plica, allowing for the assessment of any associated symptoms that may indicate a problem with the plica.

Flexing the knee decreases the load on the patellofemoral joint and allows for better access to the internal structures of the knee. Internally rotating the tibia places the medial plica in a position where it can be evaluated more effectively, and gliding the patella medially assists in assessing any irritation or impingement of the plica against the femoral condyle. Positive findings may result in pain or a "clicking" sensation during the test, indicating possible pathology.

The answer selected correctly outlines this methodology, ensuring that the assessment is performed in the most effective manner to identify potential plica pathology.

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