Ankle Ortho Tests

Question 1

Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)

Answer 1

Info: Most common inj ankle lig.
Aim: To assess integrity of ATFL
Action: Plantarflexion (through calcaneus) + Inversion (through dorsum of foot)
Positive: Pain over area of ligament/lateral ankle

Question 2

Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL)

Answer 2

Info: Rarely isolated, combo with ATFL
Aim: Integrity test of CFL
Action: Neutral foot, inversion (through supported calcaneus)
Positive test: Pain, or clunking sensation over lateral ankle

Question 3

Calcaneocuboid Ligament (CCL)

Answer 3

Aim: Integrity test of CCL
Action: Calcaneum cupped, slight eversion, hand on dorsum distal to CC joint line - forefoot adduction+inversion
Positive: Pain over lateral ankle/cuboid

Question 4

Medial Collateral Ligament/ Deltoid ligament (MCL)

Answer 4

Info: Tibionavicular, tibiocalcaneal, ant. + post. Tibiotalar ligaments
Aim: integrity test
Action: Braced calcaneus+talus, eversion with supported dist. Leg
Positive: Pain+laxity on med. ankle

Question 5

Anterior Ankle Drawer Test

Answer 5

Aim: Test integrity of ATFL
Action: Stabilise dist. Leg, cupped calcaneum, 20degrees of plantar flexion, posterior force on leg, ant. Draw on calcaneum
+ve: ATFL pain, inc. post. Mvt, lateral malleolus dimple

Question 6

Thompson’s Squeeze Test

For Achilles tendon

Answer 6

Info: Most common inj. Site is 3-6mm proximal from insertion, frequent
Aim: Integrity of Achilles tendon, to test for for complete rupture
Action: prone, feet over edge, squeeze calf complex, check for ankle mvt
+ve: loss of plantar flexion

Question 7

Talar Tilt/Inversion Test

Exactly the same as CFL

Answer 7

Aim: ROM assessment in neutral inv.
Action: Stabilised distal leg, calcaneus and talus as a unit, neutral foot (or slight plant. Flexion). Inversion introduced
+Ve: Pain, or obvious laxity noticeable