What does the Posterior Drawer Sign assess?

The Posterior Drawer Sign is a specific physical examination maneuver used to assess the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the knee. During the test, the patient lies on their back with the knee flexed at 90 degrees, and the clinician applies a posterior force to the tibia. If the tibia moves excessively posteriorly in relation to the femur, this indicates a potential injury to the PCL.

The proper identification of a PCL injury is crucial for diagnosis and management of knee stability and function. Since the PCL primarily resists posterior translation of the tibia, the Posterior Drawer Sign is a reliable way to evaluate its function. Other knee structures, like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscus, require different assessment techniques, making them unrelated to this specific maneuver. Understanding this distinction is fundamental for clinicians in accurately diagnosing knee injuries.