Ankle

Question 1

Supine

Stabilize tibia and fibula, hold foot in 20° of plantar flexion, then draw talus forward in the ankle mortise

Answer 1

Anterior Drawer Test of the Ankle

Injury to the anterior talofibular ligament

Excessive anterior glide with talus and/or pain.

Question 2

Supine or side-lying

Hold foot in anatomical position. Tilt talus from side to side into adduction and abduction.

Answer 2

Talar Tilt

Calcaneofibular ligament instability

Excessive adduction or abduction

Question 3

Supine

Support foot on table. Tap in front of ankle for deep peroneal (fibular) nerve. Tap behind medial malleolus for posterior tibial nerve

Answer 3

Tinel’s Sign at the Ankle

Dysfunction of posterior tibial nerve
Dysfunction of deep peroneal nerve

Tingling or paresthesia felt distally

Question 4

Supine

Grasp foot around metatarsal heads and squeeze them together

Answer 4

Morton’s Test

Stress fracture or neuroma in forefoot

Pain in forefoot

Question 5

Prone

Extend feet over examining table, then grasp foot over 4th and 4th metatarsal heads. Palpate both sides of talus on the dorsum of the foot. Passively dorsal flexion foot to resistance, then move foot back and forth through an arc of supination and pronation.

Answer 5

Neutral Subtalar Position

Abnormal rearfoot to forefoot positioning

Compare rearfoot to forefoot and rearfoot to leg.