Understanding the Prone Anterior Drawer Test (Ankle) Assessment
An alternative position to assess the integrity of the **Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)**, often more comfortable for the patient.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is prone with the foot hanging off the edge of the table. The ankle is held in plantarflexion.
What happens?
The examiner stabilizes the proximal calf with the knee bent to 90° and applies an **anterior translation force** to the heel/talus (pulling the foot up and forward toward the ceiling).
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
**Excessive anterior translation** of the talus on the tibia, compared to the unaffected side, or a 'soft' (absent) endpoint.
Helpful Tip:
The mechanics are the same as the supine anterior drawer, but the prone position can sometimes reduce muscle guarding.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other ankel Tests
Anterior Drawer of the Ankle
To assess the integrity of the **Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)**, the most commonly injured ligament in lateral ankle sprains.
External Rotation Stress Test (or Syndesmosis Ligament Test)
To assess the integrity of the **Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis** (the 'high ankle sprain' ligaments, including the AITFL and PITFL).
Figure of Eight Method of Measuring Ankle Joint Swelling
To quantitatively measure and track **ankle and foot edema (swelling)** volume over time.
Impingement sign ankle (Anterior Ankle Impingement)
To diagnose **Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome** (bony or soft tissue impingement at the front of the joint).