Anterior Drawer Test for Knee

Knee Orthopedic Exam Test

Purpose

Determine the integrity of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) - full or partial tear. Anterior plane instability.

Instructions

1. The knee is flexed between 60 and 90 degrees with the foot resting on the exam table.

2. The examiner puts both hands behind the tibia and attempts to displace the tibia anteriorly while the foot remains resting on the table.

3. Increased tibial displacement with the foot in neutral indicates a positive test which is graded by severity:
Grade 1 = 5 mm
Grade II = 5-10mm
Grade III = > 10 mm.

4. The test is then repeated with the tibia in 15 degrees of external rotation and then in 30 degrees of internal rotation to determine integrity of posterolateral and posteromedial corners.

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