An adolescent presents with a leg injury. Which orthopedic problem should the anterior drawer sign test evaluate?

The anterior drawer sign is a specific clinical test primarily used to evaluate the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee joint. When assessing a potential injury or instability related to the knee, particularly in adolescents who are more active in sports, the anterior drawer test focuses on forward displacement of the tibia relative to the femur when the knee is flexed to about 90 degrees.

If the test indicates a positive result, suggesting excessive anterior movement, it is indicative of an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. While conditions like knee effusion, collateral ligament damage, and compartment syndrome are important considerations in knee injuries, they do not directly relate to the anterior drawer test. Specifically, the anterior drawer sign is not used to evaluate joint effusion or damage to the collateral ligaments; rather, it directly assesses the functional stability of the knee joint related to ACL integrity, thus pointing to anteromedial ligament damage when the ACL is compromised.

This is particularly critical in adolescent patients as they are often at risk for ACL injuries, which can have significant implications for their athletic performance and development.