A positive anterior drawer test of the ankle indicates injury to which ligament?

Study effectively for the ABFAS Boards - Rearfoot and Forefoot Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A positive anterior drawer test of the ankle indicates injury to which ligament?

Explanation:
The test is designed to assess the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), which is the primary restraint against forward (anterior) movement of the talus under the tibia. In an inversion sprain, the ATFL is the ligament most commonly torn first; when it’s injured, the talus can translate more anteriorly during the test, giving a positive result. The other ligaments mentioned—the calcaneofibular ligament helps resist inversion but is not the main structure this maneuver tests, and the deltoid ligament on the medial side resists eversion. So a positive anterior drawer test points to ATFL injury.

The test is designed to assess the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), which is the primary restraint against forward (anterior) movement of the talus under the tibia. In an inversion sprain, the ATFL is the ligament most commonly torn first; when it’s injured, the talus can translate more anteriorly during the test, giving a positive result. The other ligaments mentioned—the calcaneofibular ligament helps resist inversion but is not the main structure this maneuver tests, and the deltoid ligament on the medial side resists eversion. So a positive anterior drawer test points to ATFL injury.

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