Anterior Drawer Test Knee
Other Names
- Anterior Drawer Test
- Anterior Drawer Test of the Knee
- Anterolateral drawer test
Purpose
- Test integrity of Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Description
- The patient is supine
- Hips flexed to 45°, knee flexed to 90°, foot flat on the examination table
- The examiner should sit on the patients foot to stabilize the limb
- Grasp the proximal lower leg, just below the tibial plateau
- Attempt to translate the lower leg anteriorly
- Positive exam is laxity, excessive anterior translation or lack of end feel
- Comparison should be made to contralateral leg
Pathology
Evidence
- Scholten et al
- Sensitivity: 18% - 92%[3]
- Specificity: 78% - 98%
- Meta-analysis of studies looking at value of special tests[4]
- Helpful in subacute and chronic cases, not in acute cases
- Sensitivity: 92% (95% CI, 88–95)
- Specificity: 91% (95% CI, 87–94)
See Also
References
- ↑ Swinford, Steven T., et al. "Biomechanics and physical examination of the posteromedial and posterolateral knee: state of the art." Journal of ISAKOS 5.6 (2020): 378-388.
- ↑ Almoallim, Hani, et al. "Approach to Musculoskeletal Examination." Skills in Rheumatology (2021): 17-65.
- ↑ Scholten PJPM, Opstelten W, van der Plas CG, Bijl D, Deville WLJM and Bouter LM. Accuracy of physical diagnostic tests for assessing ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament: a meta-analysis. J Fam Pract. 2003;52:689-694.
- ↑ Benjaminse, Anne, Alli Gokeler, and Cees P. van der Schans. "Clinical diagnosis of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture: a meta-analysis." Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy 36.5 (2006): 267-288.
Created by:
John Kiel on 21 July 2019 22:35:54
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Last edited:
27 October 2025 23:23:15
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