Palpation: Palpate for areas of tenderness over the ATFL as well as other lateral collateral ligaments. Check the dorsal pedal pulse, capillary refill, and sensation to light touch.

Any tenderness elicited by palpating at the level of the anterior joint line is indicative of an osteochondral defect. To asses for a fracture at the level of the 5 th metatarsal base, palpate along the lateral margin of the foot to elicit pain and to feel for any bone defects or irregularities.

The lateral side of the ankle has three supporting ligaments: the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament(CFL). The three ligaments are together called the Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex. The ATFL resists torsion and inversion stresses in a plantar flexed foot.

May 23, 2023 · Each of the three lateral ligaments should be palpated at the anterior (ATFL), inferior (CFL), and posterior (PTFL) aspects of the lateral malleoli. The medial ankle should also be palpated along with the entire fibula.

• Palpation – pain on palpation of the posterior aspect of the medial and lateral malleolus (both sites are void of ligamentous attachments), the base of the fifth metatarsal and the proximal fibula are suggestive of fracture (Figure 3).2 lack of tenderness …

Non-invasive virtual touch tissue imaging quantification, a novel ultrasonic palpation method, can identify the hardness difference of acute type I ATFL injuries and evaluate ligament elasticity. These are all new methods for quantifying ankle ligament stiffness and diagnosing and monitoring ATFL injury[ 31 ].

Jul 23, 2019 · Palpation of the ankle should include the medial and lateral gutters, the tibiotalar plafond, the talar dome, and the syndesmosis. Proximally at the ankle, the medial malleolus of the tibia and the lateral malleolus of the fibula are prominent and should always be palpable.

May 9, 2024 · Tests which stress the ankle ligaments may be more reliable and valid if done 5 to 7 days after injury. The anterior drawer test assesses the ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament). The talar tilt test assesses the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) which connects the calcaneus (heel bone) to the fibula.

If the patient does not feel pain upon palpation of the ATFL, it is likely that there is no apparent rupture of the lateral ligaments [67,68]. The 2 most common manual stress tests for the ankle are the anterior drawer test and the talar tilt test.

The index finger is laid on the anterior surface of the lateral malleolus. A combined plantar flexion-inversion movement of the ankle makes the lateral process of the talus more prominent. The ligament is felt as a thin, flat and horizontal structure, pressing against the palpating finger.