Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Which statement is true regarding the anterior drawer test?

1. It assesses the integrity of the MCL.

2. It evaluates the stability of the ACL.

3. It is used for diagnosing meniscus tears.

4. It requires no knee flexion.

The correct answer is: It evaluates the stability of the ACL.

The anterior drawer test is a clinical examination maneuver primarily used to assess the stability of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. When the test is performed, the patient is positioned with the knee flexed at approximately 90 degrees. This positioning allows the examiner to apply an anterior force on the tibia while stabilizing the femur. If there is excessive anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur, it suggests that the ACL may be compromised or torn, indicating a lack of stability in that ligament. The integrity of the ACL is critical for the overall stability of the knee joint, particularly during activities that involve pivoting and directional change. By evaluating the degree of tibial translation, the anterior drawer test provides valuable information about the functional capacity of the ACL. In contrast to this, the other options address different structures or conditions. The test does not evaluate the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which would require specific maneuvers to assess, nor does it diagnose meniscus tears, which typically involve other special tests such as McMurray's or Apley's tests. Additionally, the anterior drawer test necessitates the knee to be flexed, making the statement that it requires no knee flexion incorrect. Therefore, the