Prone Anterior Drawer Test

Original Editor - Cindy John-Chu

Top Contributors - Cindy John-Chu, Kim Jackson and Chelsea Mclene  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

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 viz: anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular and posterior talofibular ligaments. It is an alternative to the conventional ways of performing the anterior drawer test of the ankle[1].

Description[edit | edit source]

Patient is placed in prone position with the foot and ankle extending beyond the end of the plinth. With one hand, the examiner stabilizes the talofibular joint and with the other hand, holds the patient's foot around the heel and then applies an anterior force steadily through it[2]. Translation is compared on both sides[3].

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 Achilles tendon when compared to the uninjured foot. A positive test also implies a rupture of the anterior talofibular joint[1].

No psychometric properties have been reported for this ankle test[3].

Demonstration of Test[edit | edit source]

The video below shows how the prone anterior drawer test of the ankle is performed.

[2]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Gungor T. A test for ankle instability: brief report. The Journ Bone & Joint Surg Br 1988; 70:487.
  2. 2.0 2.1 CRTechnologies. Anterior Drawer Test Ankle- Prone (CR). Available from: https://youtu.be/V7J50BQazG0 [last accessed 11/11/2021]
  3. 3.0 3.1 Larkins LW, Baker RT, Baker JG. Physical examination of the ankle: a review of the original orthopaedic special test description and scientific validity of common tests for ankle examination. Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl. 2020; 2(3): 1-13.