The Anterior Drawer Test is used to assess which structure?

The Anterior Drawer Test is used to assess which structure?

• A. It assesses for ankle stability.
• B. It assesses for ACL tears.
• C. It assesses for rotator cuff tear.
• D. It assesses for meniscal tear.

Answer: (B)

The Anterior Drawer Test evaluates ACL integrity because the ACL prevents the shinbone from moving forward under the thigh. During the test the knee is bent about 20–30 degrees, and the examiner pulls the tibia forward while stabilizing the femur. Excessive forward motion or a soft/absent endpoint indicates ACL laxity or rupture. Other options point to different areas or conditions—rotator cuff pertains to the shoulder, meniscal tears are assessed with other knee maneuvers, and ankle stability tests focus on ligaments around the ankle. Therefore, this test is specifically used to assess an ACL tear.

The Anterior Drawer Test evaluates ACL integrity because the ACL prevents the shinbone from moving forward under the thigh. During the test the knee is bent about 20–30 degrees, and the examiner pulls the tibia forward while stabilizing the femur. Excessive forward motion or a soft/absent endpoint indicates ACL laxity or rupture. Other options point to different areas or conditions—rotator cuff pertains to the shoulder, meniscal tears are assessed with other knee maneuvers, and ankle stability tests focus on ligaments around the ankle. Therefore, this test is specifically used to assess an ACL tear.