Drawer test

Drawer test is a clinical examination procedure used by healthcare professionals to diagnose injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the knee. The test is named for the action of pulling or pushing the tibia, which resembles opening or closing a drawer.

Procedure

The drawer test is performed with the patient lying flat on their back on an examination table. The healthcare professional will bend the patient's knee to a 90-degree angle and then attempt to pull the tibia forward or push it backward. The amount of movement observed can indicate whether the ACL or PCL is injured.

Anterior Drawer Test

In the anterior drawer test, the healthcare professional pulls the tibia forward. If the tibia moves forward more than expected, this may indicate an injury to the ACL.

Posterior Drawer Test

In the posterior drawer test, the healthcare professional pushes the tibia backward. If the tibia moves backward more than expected, this may indicate an injury to the PCL.

Interpretation

The results of the drawer test should be interpreted in the context of the patient's symptoms and other clinical findings. A positive drawer test indicates a potential ligament injury, but further diagnostic tests, such as an MRI, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Limitations

The drawer test has some limitations. It may not be accurate in patients with multiple knee injuries or in patients with significant pain or muscle guarding. In addition, the test's accuracy can depend on the examiner's experience and technique.

See also

• Lachman test
• Pivot-shift test