The posterior drawer test is used to assess integrity of which ligament?

The posterior drawer test is used to assess integrity of which ligament?

• A. ACL
• B. PCL
• C. MCL
• D. LCL

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that this test checks how well the knee resists backward movement of the tibia, which is controlled mainly by the posterior cruciate ligament. In the maneuver, the knee is bent about 90 degrees, the femur is stabilized, and the tibia is gently pushed straight backward. If the tibia shifts too far posteriorly compared with the other knee, it indicates a PCL injury or laxity. The PCL’s job is to prevent posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur, especially when the knee is flexed, so excessive posterior movement points to a compromised PCL. For contrast, the anterior drawer test targets the ACL with anterior tibial translation, and varus/valgus stress tests assess the collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL).

The key idea is that this test checks how well the knee resists backward movement of the tibia, which is controlled mainly by the posterior cruciate ligament. In the maneuver, the knee is bent about 90 degrees, the femur is stabilized, and the tibia is gently pushed straight backward. If the tibia shifts too far posteriorly compared with the other knee, it indicates a PCL injury or laxity. The PCL’s job is to prevent posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur, especially when the knee is flexed, so excessive posterior movement points to a compromised PCL. For contrast, the anterior drawer test targets the ACL with anterior tibial translation, and varus/valgus stress tests assess the collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL).