Posterior Drawer Test

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Posterior Drawer Test

Clinical demonstration of the posterior drawer test

a Posterior drawer test. Note the placement of the thumbs on the proximal tibia to readily estimate for posterior tibial translation. b Notice the posterior translation of the tibial plateau on the femoral condyles. This is considered a positive posterior drawer

The reduced starting position for the posterior drawer test (A) in comparison to the posteriorly translated tibia (B).

• Posterior Drawer Test
• Posterior Drawer Sign
• Posterior Drawer Maneuver
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament Drawer Test
• PCL Posterior Drawer Test
• Posterior Tibial Drawer Test
• Posterior Translation Test of the Knee
• Knee Posterior Drawer Test

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Purpose

• Evaluate integrity of Posterior Cruciate Ligament

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Description

• Patient is supine, hip and knee flexed and foot resting in neutral position
• Examiner places hip or knee on patients foot to stabilize it
• They then grasp the proximal tibia with both hands wrapped around the front and back
• They then attempt to translate the tibia posteriorly comparing to unaffected limb
• Positive test:
  • Lack of end point
  • Excessive posterior translation

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Pathology

• Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

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Evidence

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

• Flynn et al
  • Sensitivity: 90%
  • Specificity: 99%
  • LR-: 0.10
  • LR+: 90

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See Also

• Knee Pain Main
• Physical Exam Knee
• Knee Anatomy Main

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