KT 1000 Arthrometer

Other Names

Test setup and patient positioning with all four arthrometers tested: KT-1000

Testing knee laxity using the KT1000 arthrometer according to the User's Guide for the Knee Ligament Arthrometer.

• KT 1000 Arthrometer
• KT-1000
• Rolimeter
• KLT
• KiRA

---

Purpose

• Evaluate the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament
• It provides objective quantification of knee laxity

Controversy

• Lower intra-rater and inter-rater reliability compared to other physical exam skills

Branding

• The KT-1000 arthrometer is one commonly used brand, but there are multiple commercially available devices

---

Description

• The patient lies on their back with their knees bent about 30°
• The examiner places two sensing paddles on the patient's patella and tibial tubercle
• The arthrometer is secured to the patient's lower leg with Velcro straps
• The examiner uses a handle to move the patient's knee back and forth
• The arthrometer's calibrate gauge measures the distance between the two paddles to determine the amount of displacement

---

Pathology

• ACL Injury

---

Evidence

ACL Injury

• Note: diagnostic accuracy varies with the amount of force applied
• Van Eck et al
  • Sensitivity: 54% with 69N
  • Sensitivity: 78% with 89N
  • Sensitivity: 93% with maximum manual force
  • Specificity: 93% with maximal manual force
• Lett et al
  • Diagnostic accuracy highest with knee in 30 degrees flexion

---

See Also

• Knee Pain Main
• Physical Exam Knee
• Knee Anatomy Main

---