In the anterior drawer test, the ankle is placed in what position during the test?

In the anterior drawer test, the ankle is placed in what position during the test?

• A. Slight plantarflexion
• B. Neutral
• C. Dorsiflexion
• D. Severe plantarflexion

Answer: (A)

The test focuses on assessing the anterior talofibular ligament by checking how far the talus can move forward relative to the tibia when the ATFL is stressed. Placing the ankle in slight plantarflexion tightens the ATFL, so an anterior translation of the talus is more likely to reveal any laxity from a ligament injury. If the ankle is in neutral or dorsiflexion, the ATFL is less taut and the test becomes less sensitive for detecting ATFL damage. Severe plantarflexion can introduce discomfort and involve other structures, making the test less specific. So, slight plantarflexion provides the clearest indication of ATFL integrity.

The test focuses on assessing the anterior talofibular ligament by checking how far the talus can move forward relative to the tibia when the ATFL is stressed. Placing the ankle in slight plantarflexion tightens the ATFL, so an anterior translation of the talus is more likely to reveal any laxity from a ligament injury. If the ankle is in neutral or dorsiflexion, the ATFL is less taut and the test becomes less sensitive for detecting ATFL damage. Severe plantarflexion can introduce discomfort and involve other structures, making the test less specific. So, slight plantarflexion provides the clearest indication of ATFL integrity.