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Lateral Ligament Instability: Review of Pathology and Diagnosis

  • Management of Ankle Instability (M Hogan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Ankle sprains are a common injury that can lead to chronic lateral ankle instability resulting in pain, poor function, and decreased quality of life. The purpose of this review is to present information regarding injury mechanisms to the lateral ligaments of the ankle and the necessary steps to appropriately diagnose lateral ligament instability.

Recent Findings

The literature demonstrates that history and physical examination is often a reliable method for diagnosis of lateral ankle instability. In addition, imaging modalities are often used as adjuncts for diagnosis, especially when physical exam findings are equivocal.

Summary

In summary, chronic lateral ligament instability of the ankle occurs secondary to failure of the lateral ligamentous complex. A focused physical examination to evaluate the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and posterior talofibular ligament is necessary for diagnosis. Imaging modalities including plain radiographs, stress radiographs, and MRI are helpful for definitive diagnosis and to rule out other pathology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Edward S. Hur, Daniel D. Bohl & Simon Lee

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  1. Edward S. Hur
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  2. Daniel D. Bohl
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Correspondence to Simon Lee.

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Conflict of Interest

Edward Hur has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Daniel Bohl is a committee member for the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society and received a research grant from OpEd.

Simon Lee is a board or committee member of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society; member of the editorial or governing board of Foot and Ankle International; and receives publishing royalties and financial or material support from SLACK Incorporated.

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No human or animal subjects were used for completion of this article.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Management of Ankle Instability

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Hur, E.S., Bohl, D.D. & Lee, S. Lateral Ligament Instability: Review of Pathology and Diagnosis. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 13, 494–500 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09641-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09641-z

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