Anterior drawer test of the ankle

Question 1

What does the ankle anterior drawer test diagnose?

Answer 1

Instability of ankle ligaments

Question 2

What is the rationale behind the ankle anterior drawer test?

Answer 2

By applying a PA movement of the talus on the tibia & fibula, the surrounding ligaments of the ankle joint are put under tension. If there is substantial movement, this suggests ligament laxity.

Question 3

Ankle anterior drawer test procedure

Answer 3

1) Explain & IC
2) Patient in long sitting, hip flexed to 40, knee flexed to 90 & foot flat on plinth
3) Physio holds the notches of the talus & just superior to ankle joint line, applying an AP force through the tibia & fibula
4) Observe the postero- anterior glide of the talus on the tibia
and fibula & compare movement to that of the other ankle

Question 4

What is a positive result of the ankle anterior drawer test

Answer 4

An increased anterior glide of the talus in the joint complex = instability in the joint, due to a lack of ligament integrity.

Question 5

What is a negative result of the anterior drawer test of the ankle?

Answer 5

No difference in the amount of anterior glide of the talus
compared to the non-affected side.

Question 6

Result: increased anterior glide of the talus in the joint complex
What does this mean?

Answer 6

instability in the joint, due to a lack of ligament integrity.