What is commonly assessed in a physical examination for ACL injury?

In assessing for an ACL injury during a physical examination, a comprehensive approach is taken to evaluate various aspects of the knee joint's function. Joint stability is a critical component since the ACL plays a vital role in maintaining stability during activities that involve pivoting or sudden changes in direction. Testing for joint stability often involves specific maneuvers, such as the Lachman test or the anterior drawer test, which directly assess the integrity of the ACL.

Muscle strength is also evaluated, as the muscles surrounding the knee play a crucial role in its overall support and stability. Weakness in these muscles can either contribute to the injury or hinder recovery, making it essential to gauge strength during the examination.

Range of motion is another important factor; it is necessary to determine how well the knee can move through its full functional range. Restrictions in range of motion could indicate swelling or mechanical blockages resulting from an ACL injury.

Given that a thorough examination incorporates all these aspects—joint stability, muscle strength, and range of motion—the correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of the assessment performed by healthcare professionals when evaluating a suspected ACL injury.