What does the posterior drawer sign indicate in a physical examination?

The posterior drawer sign is a specific maneuver used during a physical examination to assess the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). When a healthcare provider performs this test, the patient is typically in a supine position with the knee flexed to about 90 degrees. By pushing the tibia backward while stabilizing the femur, any excessive movement that occurs indicates potential damage to the PCL.

In the case of a posterior cruciate ligament injury, the tibia will move excessively backward in relation to the femur, which is what the test is designed to evaluate. This movement demonstrates the failure of the PCL to adequately stabilize the knee joint in its normal position. Thus, the positive posterior drawer sign is directly related to the dysfunction of the PCL, helping clinicians to diagnose PCL injuries effectively.

Although other options pertain to knee injuries, they are assessed through different physical examination techniques or symptoms that do not involve the posterior drawer sign specifically. Understanding the targeted nature of this test is crucial for identifying specific ligament injuries in the knee.