ANTERIOR DRAWER

TEST (Ankle)

​• Test positioning

The client is seated on a table with the knee flexed to 90-degrees and the involved foot relaxed in slight plantar flexion.

The therapist stabilizes the tibia and fibula with one hand and grasps the calcaneus with the other.

This may also be performed with the client in a prone position.

​• Action

While assuring stabilization of the distal tibia and fibula, the therapist applies an anterior force to the calcaneus and talus.

​• Positive finding

Anterior translation of the talus away from the ankle mortise that is greater on the involved side, as opposed to the non-involved side, indicates a positive sign for a possible anterior talofibular ligament sprain.

​• Special considerations & comments

The knee is flexed to 90-degrees to reduce the tension on the gastrocnemius muscle.

This test should be performed bilaterally for comparison.

Swelling within the ankle joint may reduce the ability to translate the talus anteriorly.

The Anterior Drawer Test is adapted for the ankle from Dr. James Cyriax's work in knee ligament assessments, specifically for evaluating ankle instability and anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) integrity.