The posterior drawer test assesses integrity of which ligament?

The posterior drawer test assesses integrity of which ligament?

• A. ACL
• B. PCL
• C. MCL
• D. LCL

Answer: (B)

This test checks the knee’s posterior stability, specifically the posterior cruciate ligament. The knee is bent to about 90 degrees and a posterior force is applied to the tibia. If the tibia moves backward more than normal (posterior laxity), it suggests a PCL injury. The ACL resists forward tibial movement, which is what the anterior drawer test assesses, while the MCL and LCL are evaluated with valgus/varus stress tests. So this posterior translation finding points to the PCL as the structure compromised.

This test checks the knee’s posterior stability, specifically the posterior cruciate ligament. The knee is bent to about 90 degrees and a posterior force is applied to the tibia. If the tibia moves backward more than normal (posterior laxity), it suggests a PCL injury. The ACL resists forward tibial movement, which is what the anterior drawer test assesses, while the MCL and LCL are evaluated with valgus/varus stress tests. So this posterior translation finding points to the PCL as the structure compromised.