Anterior-Posterior Drawer Test

The Anterior-Posterior (A-P) Drawer Test is used by healthcare providers to assess the stability of your knee, specifically the torn or damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The test involves the person lying down with their knee bent at a right angle. The examiner gently places their hands on the thigh and shin, then applies a forward (anterior) or backward (posterior) force to see how much the lower leg moves relative to the thigh. Excessive forward movement indicates potential ACL injury or instability. This test helps determine the integrity of knee ligaments and guides diagnosis and treatment.