Anterior Drawer Test (Knee) Special Test

What is it used for?

• Assessing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) (anteromedial bundle).

How to Perform

• Position: Patient lies supine with hip flexed 45° and knee flexed 90°.
• Action: Examiner sits on the patient's foot to stabilize it. Grasp the tibia behind the calf with thumbs on the tibial tuberosity.
• Force: Pull the tibia anteriorly.

Interpretation of Results

• Positive Test: >6mm of anterior displacement or a soft end-feel.
• Note: Often false-negative in acute injuries due to hamstring spasm or hemarthrosis.

Diagnostic Accuracy

• Sensitivity: 62% (Acute), 92% (Chronic)
• Specificity: 67-91%

References

• Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.