Anterior Drawer (Knee)
The anterior drawer is used to assess for ACL pathology. To perform this test, have the patient lie supine with the hip flexed to 45 degrees and the knee flexed to 90 degrees. Then, sit on the patient’s foot and place your hands behind the proximal tibia with your thumbs on the tibial plateau. Apply anterior force to the proximal tibia. The hamstring tendons are palpated with the index fingers to ensure relaxation. A positive test is increased laxity anteriorly in comparison to the opposite side and may indicate an ACL tear.