Anterior Drawer (External Rotation) |
Examination type |
Ligament Stress test. |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
Supine with the test hip flexed to 45 degrees, knee flexed to 90
degrees, and foot everted while flat on the table or surface. |
Examiner Position |
Sitting on subject's foot, with both hands behind the subject's
proximal tibia and thumbs on the tibial plateau. |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and medial structures of the
knee joint. |
Performing the Test |
The examiner should always examine the uninjured side first so
he or she can better determine the amount of laxity in the
patient’s knees. With the patient in the appropriate position
with his foot in a everted position, the examiner should then
gently pull the tibia forward. He may also give the leg a good
“jerk” if he or she wants to. |
Positive Test |
Increased anterior tibial displacement on the femur compared to
the uninvolved side along with end feels indicates partial to
complete ACL tear. |
Interpretation |
Degree of laxity, presence and quality of the endpoint compared
bi-laterally will determine the integrity of the ACL |
Common errors in
performing exam |
Examiner is in an inappropriate position and does not have
correct hand placement.
The patient may not be relaxed or comfortable
|
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
A torn meniscus of the medial posterior horn wedged against the
femoral condoyle may impair movement. A muscular spasm of the
hamstrings may also prevent movement |
Related tests |
Posterior Drawer Test, Lachman’s Test, Slocum Test, MacIntosh
Test, 90-90 Anterior Drawer, Sitting Anterior Drawer Test,
Active Drawer Test |
References |
Hoppenfeld Physical Examination of the Spine & Extremities,
Athletic Injury Assessment Fourth Edition. |
Links: |
http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/anterior_drawer_test |
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