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

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

• A. ATFL
• B. CFL
• C. Deltoid ligament
• D. ATFL and CFL

Answer: (A)

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.