drawer test


draw·er sign

in a knee examination, the forward or backward sliding of the tibia under applied stress, which indicates laxity or tear of the anterior (forward slide) or posterior (backward slide) cruciate ligament of the knee. Synonym(s): drawer test
A test used to evaluate anterior or posterior shoulder instability
Method Medial compression of the humerus into the glenoid comprises the 'load' portion, while translating the humerus anteriorly or posteriorly comprises the 'shift'

draw·er sign

(drōr sīn) In a knee examination, abnormal forward or backward sliding of the tibia with respect to the femur indicating laxity or tear of the anterior (forward slide) or posterior (backward slide) cruciate ligament of the knee.
Synonym(s): drawer test.

drawer test

(dro'(e)r) Determination of the instability of ligaments by forcibly displacing one bone or structure relative to another.

1. Assessment of the cruciate ligament(s) of the knee. The knee is flexed to 90° with the foot stabilized on the examination table. The examiner applies an anterior, then a posterior, force against the upper tibia, perpendicular to the long axis of the leg. An increased glide, anterior or posterior, of the tibia is caused by rupture of the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament, respectively.

2. Assessment of the anterior talofibular ligament of the ankle. The foot is placed in its neutral position, the knee is flexed to a minimum of 20° to release the tension of the gastrocnemius muscle, and the tibia is stabilized. The examiner cups the posterior and plantar surface of the calcaneus and draws the foot forward, observing for increased displacement of the lateral foot and talus relative to the opposite extremity. These findings suggest rupture of the ligament. Synonym: drawer sign.