In patients who have irritation of the bursa around the knee with patellofemoral pain, it is important to determine the amount of relative hamstring tightness. To assess this, we determine the “hamstring-popliteal angle”. In this test, the hip is flexed to 90° and it is important to relax the knee completely. The knee is then brought upward until the knee become tight and the angle between the thigh and calf is the hamstring-popliteal angle. This test is always compared to the contralateral side.
About the Author: Robert LaPrade, MD
Robert LaPrade, MD, PhD has specialized skills and expertise in diagnosing and treating complicated knee injuries. He has treated athletes at all levels, including Olympic, professional and intercollegiate athletes, and has returned numerous athletes back to full participation after surgeries. Recognized globally for his outstanding and efficient surgical skills and dedication to sports medicine, he has received many research awards, including the OREF Clinic Research Award considered by many a Nobel Prize in orthopedics. Dr. LaPrade is one of the most published investigators in his field, and many of the surgeries that he has developed are now performed worldwide and recognized as the “gold standard” for the treatment of complex knee injuries.