The Drawer Sign is used to assess which condition?

The Drawer Sign is a physical examination maneuver specifically utilized to evaluate knee instability, particularly in cases of anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL or PCL) injuries. When a clinician performs this test, they are assessing the amount of movement in the tibia relative to the femur. An excessive forward movement of the tibia indicates potential injury to the ACL, while excessive backward movement suggests a possible PCL injury. This assessment is crucial for determining the integrity of the knee joint and guiding further management or intervention.

The other options do not relate to the Drawer Sign. Wrist fractures are assessed through different physical examination techniques, including palpation for tenderness and stability tests of wrist ligaments. Shoulder impingement involves evaluating range of motion and specific tests to elicit symptoms such as Hawkins-Kennedy or Neer’s test. Lastly, hip dysplasia involves assessing the hip joint, often through maneuvers such as the Ortolani and Barlow tests in infants or physical exam techniques focused on hip mobility in older patients. Thus, the Drawer Sign is distinctly relevant to knee instability and does not apply to conditions affecting the wrist, shoulder, or hip.