ANTERIOR DRAWER

TEST (Knee)

​• Test positioning

The client lies supine with the test hip flexed to 45-degrees, knee flexed to 90-degrees, and foot in a neutral position.

The therapist sits on the client's foot with both hands behind the client's proximal tibia and thumbs on the tibial plateau.

​• Action

Apply an anterior force to the proximal tibia.

The hamstring tendons should be palpated frequently with index fingers to ensure relaxation.

​• Positive finding

Increased anterior tibial displacement as compared to the uninvolved side is indicative of a partial or complete tear of the ACL.

​• Special considerations & comments

See Special Considerations/Comments for the Anterior Lachman's test.

Qualitative assessment of the endpoint during the anterior drawer test is less accurate than during the Anterior Lachman's test.

Also, there is a greater potential for a false negative finding with this test versus the Anterior Lachman's test, secondary to the increased potential for hamstring "guarding".

The Anterior Drawer Test is based on the foundational work of Dr. James Cyriax in orthopedic medicine and Dr. Hughston in knee ligament injury assessment, particularly for identifying anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) instability.