HUGHSTON POSTEROLATERAL DRAWER TEST

​• Test positioning

The client lies supine with the test hip flexed to 45-degrees, knee flexed to 90-degrees, and tibia externally rotated 20 to 30 degrees.

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 a posterior force to the proximal tibia.

​• Positive finding

Increased posterior tibial displacement, particularly of the lateral tibial condyle, as compared to the uninvolved side is indicative of posterolateral rotary instability (secondary to damage of the PCL, LCL, posterolateral capsule, and arcuate complex).

​• Special considerations & comments

It is important to maintain quadriceps and hamstring muscle relaxation during this test.

While applying a posterior force, the therapist should carefully assess any posterior "step-off" from the tibial plateau on the femur.