Prone Anterior Drawer Test
Original Editor - Cindy John-Chu
Top Contributors - Cindy John-Chu, Kapil Narale, Kim Jackson and Chelsea Mclene
Purpose
The Prone Anterior Drawer Test of the ankle is an orthopaedic test used to assess the integrity of the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle, which consist of the anterior talofibular (ATFL), calcaneofibular (CFL), and posterior talofibular (PTFL) ligaments. [1][2]
It is an alternative to the conventional way of performing the anterior drawer test of the ankle. It is found that this test is easier to perform since the patient is more relaxed in the prone position. [1]
Technique
The patient is placed in prone position with the foot and ankle extending beyond the end of the plinth, [1] with the ankle in slight plantarflexion. [3] With one hand, the examiner stabilises the talofibular joint, and holds the patient's foot around the calcaneus with the other hand. The examiner then applies a constant anterior force on the heel. [1]
Translation is compared bilaterally. [3]
Grading of Results
The test is positive when there is an excessive anterior movement of the foot and a dimpling of the skin on both sides of the calcaneal tendon when compared to the uninjured foot. A positive test also implies ligamentous instability of the ATFL. Rupture of the ATFL is indicated when the talus moves anteriorly in the ankle mortise. [1]
A positive test can be confirmed with taking lateral radiographs of the foot in the starting and testing positions.[1]
The video below shows how the prone anterior drawer test of the ankle is performed:
Evidence
According to Larkins et al (2020), there weren't any studies found that identify the accuracy the accuracy of the prone anterior drawer test. [3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Gungor T. A test for ankle instability: brief report. British Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 1988: 70:487.
- ↑ Moore K.L, Dalley A.F. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Fifth Edition. United States of America: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006. p703.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Larkins L.W, Baker R.T, Baker J.G. Physical Examination of the Ankle: A Review of the Original Orthopedic Special Test Description and Scientific Validity of Common Tests for Ankle Examination. Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation. 2020:2:1-13.
- ↑ CRTechnologies. Anterior Drawer Test Ankle- Prone (CR). Available from: https://youtu.be/V7J50BQazG0 [last accessed 11/11/2021]