Understanding the Ely's Test (Prone Rectus Femoris Contracture Test) Assessment
To assess for **tightness or contracture of the Rectus Femoris** muscle (a two-joint muscle crossing the hip and knee).
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is prone with the pelvis stabilized.
What happens?
The examiner passively and maximally **flexes the patient's knee** on the affected side.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The patient's **hip passively flexes** (lifts the hip/pelvis off the table) as the knee is flexed, indicating that the rectus femoris is too tight to allow full knee flexion without moving the hip.
Helpful Tip:
This test can cause anterior hip pain, which should be noted.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Knee Tests
Pivot Shift Test
To dynamically assess for **anterolateral rotatory instability** of the knee, which is highly indicative of a **complete ACL tear**.
Posterior Drawer Test of the Knee
To assess the integrity of the **Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)**.
Posterior Sag Sign (Gravity Drawer Test)
To detect a rupture of the **Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)** by observing the effect of gravity.
Slocum Test (Anterolateral Rotatory Instability)
To assess for **anterolateral rotatory instability** and the function of the **Anterolateral Ligament** (a dynamic variant of the Anterior Drawer).