Posterior drawer test protocol involves applying which force and at what knee position?

Posterior drawer test protocol involves applying which force and at what knee position?

• A. Anterior tibial translation with knee extended
• B. Posterior tibial translation with knee flexed to 90 degrees
• C. Medial tibial translation with knee flexed to 30 degrees
• D. Lateral tibial translation with knee extended

Answer: (B)

The test checks the posterior cruciate ligament by assessing how far the tibia can move backward under a controlled force when the knee is bent. Applying a posterior force to the tibia with the knee flexed to about 90 degrees tightens the PCL and isolates its function, allowing observation of posterior translation. If the tibia moves more posteriorly than normal, it suggests PCL injury or laxity. The 90-degree position is important because the PCL is most taut in flexion, providing a reliable indication while minimizing influence from other structures. By contrast, anterior translation targets the ACL, and movements to the inside or outside (medial or lateral) involve the collateral ligaments, not the PCL.

The test checks the posterior cruciate ligament by assessing how far the tibia can move backward under a controlled force when the knee is bent. Applying a posterior force to the tibia with the knee flexed to about 90 degrees tightens the PCL and isolates its function, allowing observation of posterior translation. If the tibia moves more posteriorly than normal, it suggests PCL injury or laxity. The 90-degree position is important because the PCL is most taut in flexion, providing a reliable indication while minimizing influence from other structures. By contrast, anterior translation targets the ACL, and movements to the inside or outside (medial or lateral) involve the collateral ligaments, not the PCL.