Editorial Commentary: The Knee External Rotation Recurvatum Test Is Not Diagnostic of a Specific Ligament Injury.

Siegel, Mark G · Arthroscopy · 2026

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

For over half a century, the external rotation recurvatum test has been taught and used by orthopaedic surgeons to evaluate the ligamentous integrity of the knee. Sequential cutting studies have now determined that posterolateral ligament injuries alone will not result in a positive test. A combination of knee exams is needed to evaluate the integrity of the tissues associated with stability to hyperextension, external tibial rotation, and varus rotation.