Ankle Sprain
Bony Anatomy: The ankle is comprised of the distal tibiofibular joint, talus and the subtalar joint. There are three ligaments on the outside of the ankle: front (anterior talofibular ligament); side (talofibular ligament) and back (fibulocalcaneal ligament). On the inside is a ligament called the deltoid ligament.
Movement at the Ankle: The ankle can move the foot pointing or flexing; The ankle can turn inward and slightly outward.The ankle can also rotate slightly inward and outward. Three planes of movement.
Mechanism of injury: Excessive turning inward at the ankle due to landing on someone's foot; and /or planting quickly with the ankle and the muscles around the ankle unable to respond quick enough to the excessive forces.
The Injury: Most ankle sprains involve the outside ankle ligaments due to an excessive turning inward of the ankle and foot.
Grade I Ankle Sprain: Catogorized with minimal joint laxity and damage to the front outside ligament (anterior talofibular ligament).
Grade II Ankle Sprain: Moderate joint laxity and damage to the front and side ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Moderate swelling and discoloration. X ray needed to rule out avulsion fracture to the outside bone(the fibula) where the ligaments attach.
Grade III Ankle Sprain: Severe joint laxity with damage to all three outside ligaments with moderate to severe swelling and discoloration. X ray needed to rule out avulsion fracture that may need to be repeated due to a bad picture from excessive swelling. |
