Which finding during the anterior drawer test would indicate an injured ATFL?

Which finding during the anterior drawer test would indicate an injured ATFL?

• A. Increased posterior translation.
• B. Pain with plantarflexion.
• C. Excessive anterior translation.
• D. No movement.

Answer: (C)

The anterior drawer test checks how far the talus moves forward under the tibia, and the ATFL's job is to resist that forward movement. When the ATFL is injured, its restraining ability is reduced, so the talus slides forward more than normal during the test—resulting in excessive anterior translation. This increased forward movement is the key sign that points to an ATFL injury, especially when the ankle is placed in plantarflexion to stress the ATFL specifically. Pain with plantarflexion or a lack of movement aren’t as diagnostic for ATFL injury on their own. Pain can occur with many ankle issues, and no movement would not typical indicate ATFL damage because the ligament’s injury is best revealed by how much the talus translates forward rather than by absence of movement.

The anterior drawer test checks how far the talus moves forward under the tibia, and the ATFL's job is to resist that forward movement. When the ATFL is injured, its restraining ability is reduced, so the talus slides forward more than normal during the test—resulting in excessive anterior translation. This increased forward movement is the key sign that points to an ATFL injury, especially when the ankle is placed in plantarflexion to stress the ATFL specifically.

Pain with plantarflexion or a lack of movement aren’t as diagnostic for ATFL injury on their own. Pain can occur with many ankle issues, and no movement would not typical indicate ATFL damage because the ligament’s injury is best revealed by how much the talus translates forward rather than by absence of movement.