Skip to main content
Log in

Quantitative measurement of the pivot shift, reliability, and clinical applications

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Static load–displacement measurement is unrelated to the dynamic knee function of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency. Performing an accurate, dynamic functional evaluation is necessary not only for the primary ACL injury, but also as an outcome measurement in ACL reconstruction. The pivot shift test is commonly used for assessing dynamic rotatory knee laxity in ACL-insufficient knees and is related to subjective knee function. Residual pivot shift after ACL reconstruction is a crucial factor related to poor clinical outcome. However, the pivot shift test is subjectively determined by the examiners’ hands. Not only 3-dimensional (3D) position displacement but also its 3D acceleration should be measured for quantitative evaluation of the pivot shift test and is currently feasible by using recent advanced technology, i.e., electromagnetic devices. We summarize the basic knowledge and current concepts of quantitative exploration of the dynamic knee movement during the pivot shift test.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Adachi N, Ochi M, Uchio Y, Iwasa J, Kuriwaka M, Ito Y (2004) Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Single- versus double-bundle multistranded hamstring tendons. J Bone Joint Surg Br 86(4):515–520

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Allum R, Jones D, Mowbray MA, Galway HR (1984) Triaxial electrogoniometric examination of the pivot shift sign for rotatory instability of the knee. Clin Orthop Relat Res 183:144–146

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Andersson C, Gillquist J (1990) Instrumented testing for evaluation of sagittal knee laxity. Clin Orthop Relat Res 256:178–184

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Araki D, Kuroda R, Kubo S, Fujita N, Tei K, Nishimoto K, Hoshino Y, Matsushita T, Matsumoto T, Nagamune K, Kurosaka M (2011) A prospective randomized study of anatomic single-bundle versus double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: quantitative evaluation using an electromagnetic measurement system. Int Orthop 35(3):439–446

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Bach BR Jr, Warren RF, Wickiewicz TL (1988) The pivot shift phenomenon: results and description of a modified clinical test for anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. Am J Sports Med 16(6):571–576

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Balasch H, Schiller M, Friebel H, Hoffmann F (1999) Evaluation of anterior knee joint instability with the Rolimeter. A test in comparison with manual assessment and measuring with the KT-1000 arthrometer. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 7(4):204–208

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Bedi A, Musahl V, O’Loughlin P, Maak T, Citak M, Dixon P, Pearle AD (2010) A comparison of the effect of central anatomical single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on pivot-shift kinematics. Am J Sports Med 38(9):1788–1794

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Bignozzi S, Zaffagnini S, Lopomo N, Fu FH, Irrgang JJ, Marcacci M (2010) Clinical relevance of static and dynamic tests after anatomical double-bundle ACL reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 18:37–42

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Bull AM, Andersen HN, Basso O, Targett J, Amis AA (1999) Incidence and mechanism of the pivot shift. An in vitro study. Clin Orthop Relat Res 363:219–231

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Bull AM, Earnshaw PH, Smith A, Katchburian MV, Hassan AN, Amis AA (2002) Intraoperative measurement of knee kinematics in reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. J Bone Joint Surg Br 84(7):1075–1081

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Bush-Joseph CA, Hurwitz DE, Patel RR, Bahrani Y, Garretson R, Bach BR Jr, Andriacchi TP (2001) Dynamic function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous patellar tendon. Am J Sports Med 29(1):36–41

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Daniel DM, Malcom LL, Losse G, Stone ML, Sachs R, Burks R (1985) Instrumented measurement of anterior laxity of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am 67(5):720–726

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Daniel DM, Stone ML, Dobson BE, Fithian DC, Rossman DJ, Kaufman KR (1994) Fate of the ACL-injured patient. A prospective outcome study. Am J Sports Med 22(5):632–644

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Daniel DM, Stone ML, Sachs R, Malcom L (1985) Instrumented measurement of anterior knee laxity in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament disruption. Am J Sports Med 13(6):401–407

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Ferretti A, Conteduca F, De Carli A, Fontana M, Mariani PP (1991) Osteoarthritis of the knee after ACL reconstruction. Int Orthop 15(4):367–371

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Galway HR, Beaupre A, MacIntosh DL (1972) Pivot shift: a clinical sign of symptomatic anterior cruciate deficiency. J Bone Joint Surg Br 54B:763–764

    Google Scholar 

  17. Galway HR, MacIntosh DL (1980) The lateral pivot shift: a symptom and sign of anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. Clin Orthop Relat Res 147:45–50

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Ganko A, Engebretsen L, Ozer H (2000) The rolimeter: a new arthrometer compared with the KT-1000. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 8(1):36–39

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Gillquist J, Messner K (1995) Instrumented analysis of the pivot shift phenomenon after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Int J Sports Med 16(7):484–488

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Grood ES, Suntay WJ (1983) A joint coordinate system for the clinical description of three-dimensional motions: application to the knee. J Biomech Eng 105(2):136–144

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Hoshino Y, Kuroda R, Nagamune K, Yagi M, Mizuno K, Yamaguchi M, Muratsu H, Yoshiya S, Kurosaka M (2007) In vivo measurement of the pivot-shift test in the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee using an electromagnetic device. Am J Sports Med 35(7):1098–1104

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Hoshino Y, Kuroda R, Nagamune K, Araki D, Kubo S, Yamaguchi M, Kurosaka M (2011) Optimal measurement of clinical rotational test for evaluating anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 18 Aug 2011 (Epub ahead of print) doi:10.1007/s00167-011-1643-5

  23. Hughston JC, Andrews JR, Cross MJ, Moschi A (1976) Classification of knee ligament instabilities. Part I. The medial compartment and cruciate ligaments. J Bone Joint Surg Am 58(2):159–172

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Hughston JC, Andrews JR, Cross MJ, Moschi A (1976) Classification of knee ligament instabilities. Part II. The lateral compartment. J Bone Joint Surg Am 58(2):173–179

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Irrgang JJ, Anderson AF, Boland AL, Harner CD, Kurosaka M, Neyret P, Richmond JC, Shelborne KD (2001) Development and validation of the international knee documentation committee subjective knee form. Am J Sports Med 29(5):600–613

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Izawa T, Okazaki K, Tashiro Y, Matsubara H, Miura H, Matsuda S, Hashizume M, Iwamoto Y (2001) Comparison of rotatory stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between single-bundle and double-bundle techniques. Am J Sports Med 39(7):1470–1477

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Jakob RP, Staubli HU, Deland JT (1987) Grading the pivot shift. Objective tests with implications for treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Br 69(2):294–299

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Jarvela T, Moisala AS, Sihvonen R, Jarvela S, Kannus P, Jarvinen M (2008) Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring autografts and bioabsorbable interference screw fixation: prospective, randomized, clinical study with 2-year results. Am J Sports Med 36(2):290–297

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Jonsson H, Riklund-Ahlstrom K, Lind J (2004) Positive pivot shift after ACL reconstruction predicts later osteoarthrosis: 63 patients followed 5–9 years after surgery. Acta Orthop Scand 75(5):594–599

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Kanamori A, Woo SL, Ma CB, Zeminski J, Rudy TW, Li G, Livesay GA (2000) The forces in the anterior cruciate ligament and knee kinematics during a simulated pivot shift test: a human cadaveric study using robotic technology. Arthroscopy 16(6):633–639

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Kanamori A, Zeminski J, Rudy TW, Li G, Fu FH, Woo SL (2002) The effect of axial tibial torque on the function of the anterior cruciate ligament: a biomechanical study of a simulated pivot shift test. Arthroscopy 18(4):394–398

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Kocher MS, Steadman JR, Briggs KK, Sterett WI, Hawkins RJ (2004) Relationships between objective assessment of ligament stability and subjective assessment of symptoms and function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med 32(3):629–634

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Kondo E, Merican AM, Yasuda K, Amis AA (2010) Biomechanical comparisons of knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between 2 clinically available transtibial procedures: anatomic double bundle versus single bundle. Am J Sports Med 38(7):1349–1358

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Kondo E, Yasuda K, Azuma H, Tanabe Y, Yagi T (2008) Prospective clinical comparisons of anatomic double-bundle versus single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures in 328 consecutive patients. Am J Sports Med 36(9):1675–1687

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Kubo S, Muratsu H, Yoshiya S, Mizuno K, Kurosaka M (2007) Reliability and usefulness of a new in vivo measurement system of the pivot shift. Clin Orthop Relat Res 454:54–58

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Kuroda R, Hoshino Y, Kubo S, Araki D, Oka S, Nagamune K, Kurosaka M (2011) Similarities and differences of diagnostic manual tests for anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency: a global survey and kinematics assessment. Am J Sports Med. Oct 11 (Epub ahead of print) doi:10.1177/0363546511423634

  37. Labbe DR, de Guise JA, Mezghani N, Godbout V, Grimard G, Baillargeon D, Lavigne P, Fernandes J, Ranger P, Hagemeister N (2010) Feature selection using a principal component analysis of the kinematics of the pivot shift phenomenon. J Biomech 43:3080–3084

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Lane CG, Warren RF, Stanford FC, Kendoff D, Pearle AD (2008) In vivo analysis of the pivot shift phenomenon during computer navigated ACL reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16(5):487–492

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Logan MC, Williams A, Lavelle J, Gedroyc W, Freeman M (2004) Tibiofemoral kinematics following successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using dynamic multiple resonance imaging. Am J Sports Med 32(4):984–992

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Loh JC, Fukuda Y, Tsuda E, Steadman RJ, Fu FH, Woo SL (2003) Knee stability and graft function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: comparison between 11 o’clock and 10 o’clock femoral tunnel placement. 2002 Richard O’Connor Award paper. Arthroscopy 19(3):297–304

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Lopomo N, Zaffagnini S, Signorelli C, Bignozzi S, Giordano G, Marcheggiani Muccioli GM, Visani A (2011) An original clinical methodology for non-invasive assessment of pivot-shift test. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Eng [Epub ahead of print] doi:10.1080/10255842.2011.591788

  42. Losee RE, Johnson TR, Southwick WO (1978) Anterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau. A diagnostic test and operative repair. J Bone Joint Surg Am 60(8):1015–1030

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Mae T, Shino K, Miyama T, Shinjo H, Ochi T, Yoshikawa H, Fujie H (2001) Single- versus two-femoral socket anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction technique: biomechanical analysis using a robotic simulator. Arthroscopy 17(7):708–716

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Maeyama A, Hoshino Y, Debandi A, Kato Y, Saeki K, Asai S, Goto B, Smolinski P, Fu FH (2011) Evaluation of rotational instability in the anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee using triaxial accelerometer: a biomechanical model in porcine knees. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 19(8):1233–1238

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Malcom LL, Daniel DM, Stone ML, Sachs R (1985) The measurement of anterior knee laxity after ACL reconstructive surgery. Clin Orthop Relat Res 196:35–41

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Matsumoto H (1990) Mechanism of the pivot shift. J Bone Joint Surg Br 72(5):816–821

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. McQuade KJ, Sidles JA, Larson RV (1989) Reliability of the Genucom knee analysis system. A pilot study. Clin Orthop Relat Res 245:216–219

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. VK MeredickRB, Appleby D, Lubowitz JH (2008) Outcome of single-bundle versus double-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: a meta-analysis. Am J Sports Med 36:1414–1421

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Muneta T, Koga H, Mochizuki T, Ju YJ, Hara K, Nimura A, Yagishita K, Sekiya I (2007) A prospective randomized study of 4-strand semitendinosus tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction comparing single-bundle and double-bundle techniques. Arthroscopy 23(6):618–628

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Musahl V, Voos JE, O’Loughlin PF, Choi D, Stueber V, Kendoff D, Pearle AD (2010) Comparing stability of different single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques: a cadaveric study using navigation. Arthroscopy 26(9 Suppl):S41–S48

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Musahl V, Voos J, O’Loughlin PF, Stueber V, Kendoff D, Pearle AD (2010) Mechanized pivot shift test achieves greater accuracy than manual pivot shift test. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 18:1208–1213

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Nafis C, Jensen V, Beauregard L, Anderson P (2006) Method for estimating dynamic em tracking accuracy of surgical navigation tools. In: Progress in biomedical optics and imaging—Proceedings of SPIE, vol 6141. 2006, article number 61410K

  53. Noyes FR, Bassett RW, Grood ES, Butler DL (1980) Arthroscopy in acute traumatic hemarthrosis of the knee. Incidence of anterior cruciate tears and other injuries. J Bone Joint Surg Am 62(5):687–695, 757

    Google Scholar 

  54. Noyes FR, Grood ES, Cummings JF, Wroble RR (1991) An analysis of the pivot shift phenomenon. The knee motions and subluxations induced by different examiners. Am J Sports Med 19(2):148–155

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Oliver JH, Coughlin LP (1987) Objective knee evaluation using the Genucom knee analysis system. Clinical implications. Am J Sports Med 15(6):571–578

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Peeler J, Leiter J, MacDonald P (2010) Accuracy and reliability of anterior cruciate ligament clinical examination in a multidisciplinary sports medicine setting. Clin J Sport Med 20(2):80–85

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Plaweski S, Grimaldi M, Courvoisier A, Wimsey S (2011) Intraoperative comparisons of knee kinematics of double-bundle versus single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 19(8):1277–1286

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Rangger C, Daniel DM, Stone ML, Kaufman K (1993) Diagnosis of an ACL disruption with KT-1000 arthrometer measurements. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 1(1):60–66

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Ristanis S, Stergiou N, Patras K, Vasiliadis HS, Giakas G, Georgoulis AD (2005) Excessive tibial rotation during high-demand activities is not restored by anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy 21(11):1323–1329

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Schuster AJ, McNicholas MJ, Wachtl SW, McGurty DW, Jakob RP (2004) A new mechanical testing device for measuring anteroposterior knee laxity. Am J Sports Med 32(7):1731–1735

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Siebold R, Dehler C, Ellert T (2008) Prospective randomized comparison of double-bundle versus single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy 24(2):137–145

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Slocum DB, James SL, Larson RL, Singer KM (1976) Clinical test for anterolateral rotary instability of the knee. Clin Orthop Relat Res 118:63–69

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Snyder-Mackler L, Fitzgerald GK, Bartolozzi AR 3rd, Ciccotti MG (1997) The relationship between passive joint laxity and functional outcome after anterior cruciate ligament injury. Am J Sports Med 25(2):191–195

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Tashman S, Collon D, Anderson K, Kolowich P, Anderst W (2004) Abnormal rotational knee motion during running after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med 32(4):975–983

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Torg JS, Conrad W, Kalen V (1976) Clinical diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament instability in the athlete. Am J Sports Med 4(2):84–93

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Tsai AG, Wijdicks CA, Walsh MP, Laprade RF (2009) Comparative kinematic evaluation of all-inside single-bundle and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a biomechanical study. Am J Sports Med 38(2):263–272

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Weiss JR, Irrgang JJ, Sawhney R, Dearwater S, Fu FH (1990) A functional assessment of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency in an acute and clinical setting. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 11(8):372–373

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Yagi M, Kuroda R, Nagamune K, Yoshiya S, Kurosaka M (2007) Double-bundle ACL reconstruction can improve rotational stability. Clin Orthop Relat Res 454:100–107

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Yagi M, Wong EK, Kanamori A, Debski RE, Fu FH, Woo SL (2002) Biomechanical analysis of an anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med 30(5):660–666

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Yasuda K, Kondo E, Ichiyama H, Tanabe Y, Tohyama H (2006) Clinical evaluation of anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedure using hamstring tendon grafts: comparisons among 3 different procedures. Arthroscopy 22(3):240–251

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ryosuke Kuroda.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kuroda, R., Hoshino, Y., Araki, D. et al. Quantitative measurement of the pivot shift, reliability, and clinical applications. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 20, 686–691 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1849-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1849-6

Keywords

Navigation