Special Tests of the Ankle

Question 1

What is the lateral ligament stress test?

Answer 1

Tests for sprain or rupture of the anterior talofibular ligament or the calcaneofibular ligament

Question 2

How to perform the lateral ligament stress test?

Answer 2

fix lateral malleolus
turn foot into inversion

• for ATFL do the test in plantar flexion
• for the CFL do the test in plantargrade

Question 3

What is a positive lateral ligament stretch test?

Answer 3

Pain, excessive movement, laxity

Question 4

What is the medial ligament stress test?

Answer 4

Tests for integrity of deltoid

anterior tibiotalar ligament
and tibiocalcaneal ligament

Question 5

How to perform the medial ligament stress test?

Answer 5

grasp over medial malleolus

turn the foot into eversion

for ATTL: test in plantar flexion

for TCL: test in plantargrade

Question 6

What is a positive medial ligament stress test?

Answer 6

pain, laxity, excessive movement

Question 7

What is the Simmons stress test for?

Answer 7

Achilles tendon rupture

Question 8

How to perform the Simmons stress test?

Answer 8

patient prone with feet over edge of bed

place on hand under ball of foot, other hand squeezes back of the calf

Question 9

What is a positive Simmons stress test?

Answer 9

foot rests in DF and no PF observed or palpated

Question 10

what is the palpable gap test for?

Answer 10

Achilles tendon rupture

Question 11

How to perform the achilles tendon rupture test?

Answer 11

prone lying with feet over edge of bed

palpate calcaneous and move up achilles to where it blends with the calf

positive = palpable gap