July’s 5 minute Assessment assistant
Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging to physical examination for syndesmotic injury after lateral ankle sprain
Clinical assessment of Syndesmotic injury usually consists of two tests: the ankle external rotation test and squeeze test. This study sought to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both for Syndesmotic injury secondary to lateral ankle sprain.
Who?
Fifty-six patients with a history of ankle sprain
How?
Patients underwent clinical examination for Syndesmotic injury with the ankle external rotation and squeeze tests. Clinical findings were compared against MRI of the ankle.
Results…
Squeeze test: Sensitivity: 30%, Specificity: 93.5%
External Rotation test: Sensitivity: 20%, Specificity: 84.5%
In a nutshell…
MRI prevalence of syndesmotic injury in patients with lateral ankle sprains was 17.8% which is higher than most would expect. The sensitivity of both tests appear poor however they are very strong ways to ‘rule it in.’
To perform the…
- Squeeze test: squeeze the proximal Fibula and Tibia together in an effort to reproduce pain.
- External Rotation test: With the patient sitting and the ankle in a neutral position, externally rotate the foot in an effort to reproduce the patient’s pain.
Hope this helps! Please feel free to give me a call any time!
Michael Rafla
Physiotherapist
Australian Sports Physiotherapy
Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Coburg, Northcote, Carlton North
1300651256
0431 271 714
Come and see our purpose-built rehab facility at 73 Upper Heidelberg road, Ivanhoe!
de César PC, Avila EM, de Abreu MR. Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging to physical examination for syndesmotic injury after lateral ankle sprain. Foot Ankle Int. 2011 Dec;32(12):1110-4. doi: 10.3113/FAI.2011.1110. PMID: 22381194.
