In the Anterior Drawer Test of the knee, which finding indicates an ACL tear?

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Multiple Choice

In the Anterior Drawer Test of the knee, which finding indicates an ACL tear?

Explanation:
The test is about how well the ACL resists forward movement of the tibia. When the knee is flexed to about 90 degrees and the tibia is pulled forward, the ACL normally limits this translation. If the ACL is torn, the tibia slides forward more than normal, producing noticeable anterior laxity. So, the key sign pointing to an ACL tear is increased anterior translation of the tibia (laxity) on this test. Absence of laxity suggests the ACL is likely intact. Medial or lateral instability points to injuries of the collateral ligaments or other structures, not the ACL, and would be detected by other stress tests.

The test is about how well the ACL resists forward movement of the tibia. When the knee is flexed to about 90 degrees and the tibia is pulled forward, the ACL normally limits this translation. If the ACL is torn, the tibia slides forward more than normal, producing noticeable anterior laxity.

So, the key sign pointing to an ACL tear is increased anterior translation of the tibia (laxity) on this test. Absence of laxity suggests the ACL is likely intact. Medial or lateral instability points to injuries of the collateral ligaments or other structures, not the ACL, and would be detected by other stress tests.

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