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".