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Sagittal mobility of the normal ankle
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|May 1, 1975
Summary
Ankle mobility in children and adults shows reduced talar displacement in equinus position due to the anterior talofibular ligament. Isolated tears increase instability, unaffected by equinus positioning.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- The talus exhibits physiological anterior sagittal displacement during ankle examinations.
- This displacement is influenced by examination conditions, including manual stress and weight application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ankle positioning on talar sagittal displacement.
- To elucidate the role of the anterior talofibular ligament in limiting talar mobility.
Main Methods:
- Ankle examinations were performed on children and adults.
- Talus displacement was assessed with the ankle in neutral and equinus positions.
- Stress tests were conducted with and without apparatus, manual stress, and weights.
Main Results:
- Physiological anterior sagittal talar displacement decreased when the ankle was examined in equinus.
- This reduction is attributed to the taut anterior talofibular ligament in the equinus position.
- An isolated tear of the anterior talofibular ligament resulted in a pathological drawer sign and increased sagittal instability, unaffected by equinus positioning.
Conclusions:
- The anterior talofibular ligament plays a crucial role in limiting sagittal talar mobility, particularly in the equinus position.
- Assessment in equinus can mask subtle talar instability caused by isolated anterior talofibular ligament tears.
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