Noble's test assesses pathology related to which structure?

• A. Iliotibial band near the lateral femoral condyle
• B. Medial meniscus
• C. Anterior cruciate ligament
• D. Lateral collateral ligament

Answer: (A)

Noble's test is used to detect iliotibial band syndrome, specifically the compression or friction of the iliotibial band as it passes over the outer femoral epicondyle. In the test, the patient lies supine with the knee bent to 90 degrees while the examiner applies sustained pressure over the IT band at the lateral femoral epicondyle and slowly extends the knee. If pain or burning occurs around 30 degrees of knee flexion, it indicates irritation of the IT band in that region. This makes it the best choice for pathology involving the iliotibial band near the lateral femoral condyle. Pain from other structures would present with different maneuvers: for example, meniscal issues show up with tests that stress the meniscus like twisting maneuvers, ACL problems with anterior laxity tests, and LCL problems with varus stress testing.