Ankle Posterior Drawer Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 2
Posterior Ankle Drawer Test

What is the "Ankle Posterior Drawer Test" used for?

  • Posterior Talofibular ligament injury and/or ligamentous instability

How to perform the "Ankle Posterior Drawer Test"?

  • Patient is supine with foot relaxed
  • 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 calcanues inferiorly)
  • Examiner places a posteriorly directed pressure on the calcaneus and talus, applying overpressure at the end of the passive range

What is the positive result?

  • 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.