Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Ankle Joint

Ankle Joint

The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

MRI-guided detection of knee injuries as a concomitant lesion of femoral shaft fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

EFORT open reviews·2026

Same author

Biomechanical evaluation of biodegradable zinc and polylactide pins for radial head fracture fixation: a human cadaver study.

Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research·2026

Same author

Design of a fixture for precise perpendicular cuts in bone-implant sample preparation.

BMC research notes·2026

Same author

Potential Applications of Additive Manufacturing in Intervertebral Disc Replacement Using Gyroid Structures with Several Thermoplastic Polyurethane Filaments.

Biomedicines·2026

Same author

In vivo kinematics of knee joint cartilage and meniscus contact areas under load application: a biomechanical MRI study.

Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery·2026

Same author

Incidence and risk factors for cardiac arrest following upper cervical spine fractures in the elderly after minor trauma.

Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2025

A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability

A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability

Published on: October 28, 2022

Chronic Ankle Instability - Mechanical vs. Functional.

Markus Wenning¹, Hagen Schmal^2,3

¹Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Medizinische Fakultät, Freiburg, Deutschland.

Zeitschrift Fur Orthopadie Und Unfallchirurgie

|February 14, 2022

Summary

Differentiating mechanical and functional ankle instability is key for effective treatment. Accurate diagnosis guides patients toward appropriate therapies, from conservative management to surgical reconstruction.

More Related Videos

Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

Published on: September 18, 2020

Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination

Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination

Published on: July 7, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Oct 3, 2025

A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability

A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability

Published on: October 28, 2022

Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

Published on: September 18, 2020

Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination

Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination

Published on: July 7, 2016

Area of Science:

Orthopedics
Sports Medicine
Biomechanics

Background:

Chronic ankle instability results from mechanical, functional, and perceived factors.
Distinguishing the dominant cause (functional vs. mechanical) is crucial for personalized treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the importance of differential diagnostics in chronic ankle instability.
To review current diagnostic methods for mechanical and functional ankle instability.
To guide therapeutic recommendations based on diagnosis.

Main Methods:

Physical examination for mechanical instability.
Advanced imaging (stress-ultrasound, 3D stress-MRI) and arthroscopy for mechanical assessment.
Balance tests (Y-Balance Test), posturography, gait analysis, and isokinetic testing for functional assessment.

Main Results:

Quantifying mechanical ankle instability remains challenging despite various diagnostic tools.
Functional instability can be assessed through non-instrumented and instrumented tests.
Conservative management (sensorimotor, strength, balance training) is standard but may not suffice for mechanical deficits.

Conclusions:

Differential diagnostics are essential to identify patients needing mechanical interventions like bracing or surgery.
A comprehensive approach combining mechanical and functional assessments ensures optimal patient outcomes.
Tailoring therapy based on the dominant instability type improves treatment efficacy.