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Foot & Ankle
intermediate
X-Type

Lateral Ankle Sprains - ATFL, Inversion Injury, Functional Rehabilitation

Ligamentous Injuries

A 24-year-old basketball player presents to the emergency department 2 hours after landing awkwardly on another player's foot during a game. He describes his ankle "rolling inward" with immediate pain over the lateral aspect. Examination reveals swelling anterolateral to the lateral malleolus, tenderness over the anterolateral ankle, and a positive anterior drawer test with increased translation compared to the contralateral side. Weight-bearing is painful but possible. Radiographs show no fracture. Regarding lateral ankle sprains and the anatomy of the lateral ligament complex:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament) is the MOST COMMONLY injured ligament in ankle sprains (85-...

B

The lateral ligament complex consists of THREE ligaments: ATFL (resists anterior translation and int...

C

The PTFL is the weakest lateral ligament and most commonly injured; the ATFL is strongest and resist...

D

ANTERIOR DRAWER TEST assesses ATFL integrity: stabilize tibia, apply anterior translation to heel wi...

E

OTTAWA ANKLE RULES guide radiograph necessity: imaging required if bone tenderness at posterior edge...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option