Study for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) I. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed feedback. Prepare confidently!

Multiple Choice

A positive anterior drawer sign is defined as anterior tibial translation of at least how many millimeters?

The test looks at ACL integrity by how far the tibia can move forward relative to the femur when the knee is flexed to about 90 degrees. Normal anterior translation is small, but with an ACL tear the tibia slides forward more. A forward translation of about 6 millimeters or more is considered a positive sign, indicating ACL laxity or rupture. Smaller amounts, like around 2 mm, are within normal limits, while 10 mm or 4 cm would indicate far more severe laxity or be outside typical ranges. Therefore, 6 millimeters is the threshold that defines a positive anterior drawer sign.

The test looks at ACL integrity by how far the tibia can move forward relative to the femur when the knee is flexed to about 90 degrees. Normal anterior translation is small, but with an ACL tear the tibia slides forward more. A forward translation of about 6 millimeters or more is considered a positive sign, indicating ACL laxity or rupture. Smaller amounts, like around 2 mm, are within normal limits, while 10 mm or 4 cm would indicate far more severe laxity or be outside typical ranges. Therefore, 6 millimeters is the threshold that defines a positive anterior drawer sign.