Physical Exam

Knee Posterior Drawer

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient supine, the hip flexed to 45° and the knee flexed to 90° (foot stabilized), grasp the upper tibia with both hands and push it backward (posteriorly) on the femur. A positive test is increased backward translation compared with the other knee.

How to Interpret

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

Composite posterior cruciate ligament examination positive (combined PCL exam — posterior drawer, posterior sag, and quadriceps active tests)

Rule in

Very helpful

Rule out

Very helpful

Evidence:Strong

References

Solomon DH, Simel DL, Bates DW, Katz JN, Schaffer JL. The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have a torn meniscus or ligament of the knee? Value of the physical examination. JAMA. 2001 Oct 3;286(13):1610-1620. doi:10.1001/jama.286.13.1610. PMID 11585485. Free DARE summary at NCBI Bookshelf NBK68703. (JAMA Rational Clinical Examination original article.) MEDLINE 1966-Dec 2000 + HealthSTAR 1975-Dec 2000 search; reference standard arthroscopy or open surgery.
McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.