Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) function tests

posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) function tests

• posterior drawer test
  • the patient is lying supine with the test hip flexed to 45 degrees, the knees flexed to 90 degrees and the foot in a neutral position
  • examiner sits on the patient's foot and places both hands behind the proximal tibia with the thumbs on the tibial plateau o posterior force is applied to the proximal tibia
  • increased posterior tibial displacement compared to the opposite (normal) side is indicative of a partial or complete PCL tear (1)
  • Click here for a video of posterior draw test
    
• posterior sag test
  • patient is on supine position with the hips flexed to 45 degrees and the knee flexed to 90 degrees
  • normally the medial tibial plateau extends 1 cm anteriorly beyond the femoral condyle in this position.
  • in PCL rupture the tibia rocks or sags back on the femur in this position (1)

Reference:

• 1. Malanga GA et al. Physical examination of the knee: a review of the original test description and scientific validity of common orthopedic tests. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2003;84(4):592-603