Knee Posterior Drawer Test

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

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

  • To test the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

How to perform the "Knee Posterior Drawer Test"?

  • The patient is supine and the knee to be tested is flexed to approximately 90 degrees.
  • The examiner then sits on the toes of the tested extremity to help stabilize it.
  • The examiner grasps the proximal lower leg, approximately at the tibial plateau or joint line with the thumbs placed on the tibial tuberosity.
  • Then the examiner attempts to translate the lower leg posteriorly.

What is the positive result?

  • The test is considered positive if there is a lack of end feel or excessive posterior translation.

Test Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 90 %
  • Specificity: 99 %

References