Ankle Special Tests

Question 1

Anterior draw test

Answer 1

ATFL sprain

Draw foot anterior on tibia. Positive if there is increased laxity.

Question 2

Talar tilt

Answer 2

ATFL/PF
CFL/N (Can also evert the foot to stress the deltoid ligament)
PTFL/DF

Question 3

Knee to wall test

Answer 3

Lunge Position.
Big toe one hands width away from wall. Knee should be able to touch wall. 10-15cm away from wall is normal. Anterior pain is joint restriction, posterior pain is soft tissue problems.

Question 4

Windlass Test

Answer 4

Patient putting weight through foot (eg standing on something). Toe hanging off, extend toe. If toe keeps extending, then windlass mechanism isn’t working.

Question 5

Ottawa ankle rules

Answer 5

In this sequence. Palpate for tenderness on the medial and lateral malleoli. Start distally, and move 6cm upwards. Palpate over navicular, and 5th metertarsal. Then See if they can complete 4 steps without limping. If any are positive, they may have ankle fracture.

Question 6

Thompson test

Answer 6

Achilles rupture. Patient lying on stomach, squeeze calf. If ankle doesn’t planterflex, this means there may be an Achilles rupture.

Question 7

Tinel sign

Answer 7

Peripheral nerve injury

Tap above and below medial mallelous, and if patient feels tingling then there may be peripheral nerve damage.