Special tests revision quizzes

Questions use only the figures on this library's test pages.

Last updated 30 October 2026. One quiz for each body region, eight questions each. The thoracic spine has only two tests in the library, so it has no quiz.

Each question asks one of four things: which test best rules a condition in or out, how far a result moves the probability, what counts as a positive result, or what a 30% starting estimate becomes after a positive result. Every answer links to the test page its figures come from.

Terms such as sensitivity, specificity, LR+ and LR− are explained in the glossary. A likelihood ratio above about 5 or below about 0.2 is doing real work; between 2 and 0.5 it is barely worth the time.

Shoulder

8 questions. Rotator cuff tear, anterior instability and the apprehension test.

Knee

8 questions. ACL rupture, meniscal tear and Baker's cyst.

Neck

8 questions. Radiculopathy, myelopathy signs and the Canadian C-Spine Rule.

Low back & pelvis

8 questions. The straight leg raise, sacroiliac tests and the Hoover test.

Hip, groin & thigh

8 questions. Trendelenburg, scour, adductor squeeze and active piriformis tests.

Foot, ankle & calf

8 questions. Syndesmosis tests, the anterior drawer and the probe-to-bone test.

Elbow & forearm

8 questions. Distal biceps rupture, elbow fracture and cubital tunnel.

Wrist & hand

8 questions. Carpal tunnel tests, the Watson test and the thumb CMC grind test.

For working out a result from any starting estimate, use the probability calculator. How the figures are chosen: Methods.

Get the book for every test in these quizzes, test by test

These pages give the published figures. Rule It In, Rule It Out adds how to do each test, what counts as positive, how to read the result, and, where studied, whether combining tests helps.

Coming November 2026: 330 pages, paperback and PDF. Launch offer: subscribers get the PDF for A$39 instead of A$49, for the first two weeks after publication. Be first to know at launch

One study, one test, once a month

Rule It In is a free evidence letter for musculoskeletal clinicians: one recent study explained, one examination test with its real numbers. From Trokos, publisher of Rule It In, Rule It Out.

Free when you confirm your email: a one-page PDF of the strongest special tests to rule in and rule out, with tests that carry a caution flagged separately.

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