Ankle Posterior Drawer Test

Published September 9, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 15
Ankle Posterior Drawer Test

What is the “Ankle Posterior Drawer Test” used for?

  • This test is used for posterior Talofibular ligament injury and/or ankle ligamentous instability.

How to perform the “Ankle Posterior Drawer Test”?

  • The patient is supine with foot relaxed,
  • The examiner stabilizes tibia and fibula with one hand,
  • With the Patient’s foot plantar flexed to 20 degrees, the Examiner holds the patient’s calcaneus with other hand then distracts the calcaneus from the tibia and fibula (by slowly pulling the calcaneus inferiorly),
  • The examiner places a posteriorly directed pressure on the calcaneus and talus, applying overpressure at the end of the passive range

What is a positive Ankle Posterior Drawer Test?

  • POSITIVE SIGN
    • Ligamentous laxity or rupture with Presence of sulcus and pain, and/ or
    • Excessive posterior translation of the talus.

References

  • Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System 3rd Edition.
  • Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention 3rd Edition.