What test is commonly used to assess patellofemoral pain?

• A. Patellar grind test (Clark's sign)
• B. Straight leg raise
• C. Ottawa knee rules
• D. Bounce home test

Answer: (A)

Loading the patellofemoral joint while the quadriceps contracts reproduces pain when patellofemoral pain is present. The patellar grind test, also called Clark's sign, does this by pressing under the patella with the knee extended and then asking the patient to contract the quadriceps. A painful grind or crepitus indicates patellofemoral involvement and supports patellofemoral pain syndrome. The other tests target different problems: a straight leg raise assesses neural tension and hamstring tightness, Ottawa knee rules guide imaging decisions, and the bounce home test looks for meniscal pathology. So, the patellar grind test is the most specific way to evaluate patellofemoral pain.