A Positive Quadriceps Active Test, without the Quadriceps Being Active

Abstract

Case. A 55-year-old male with a chronic isolated grade 3 PCL injury who demonstrates a positive quadriceps active test without activating his quadriceps musculature. Conclusion. Gravity and hamstring contraction posteriorly translate the tibia into a subluxed position. Subsequent gastrocnemius contraction with the knee flexed causes an anterior tibial translation by virtue of the mass enlargement of the gastrocnemius muscular bulk, the string of a bow effect, and the anterior origin of the gastrocnemius in relation to the posterior border of the subluxed tibia aided by the normal posterior tibial slope.