What does Steel's test assess?

• A. Anterior knee pain due to patellofemoral dysfunction
• B. Posterior knee instability
• C. Medial collateral ligament integrity
• D. Patellar tendon strength

Answer: (A)

Steel's test specifically assesses anterior knee pain associated with patellofemoral dysfunction. During the test, the examiner generally will observe the patient's patella while the knee moves through various ranges of motion. This allows assessment of how the patella tracks during movement and how it interacts with the femur, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions related to patellofemoral pain syndrome.

When the patellofemoral joint is not functioning properly, it can lead to chronic pain in the anterior knee as a result of misalignment, overuse, or biomechanical issues. Steel's test helps to highlight these dysfunctions by provoking symptoms associated with the patellofemoral mechanism. Therefore, when a patient exhibits pain during this test, it strongly suggests that the source of discomfort lies within the patellofemoral area, aligning closely with the characteristics of patellofemoral dysfunction rather than other knee conditions.