Updated: Aug 19, 2008
Ligamentous injuries of the ankle are common among athletes. Inversion injuries of the ankle account for 40% of all athletic injuries. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) are sequentially the most commonly injured ligaments when a plantar-flexed foot is forcefully inverted. The posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) is rarely injured, except in association with a complete dislocation of the talus.
Ligamentous injuries of the ankle are classified into the following 3 categories, depending on the extent of damage to the ligaments:
For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Foot, Ankle, Knee, and Hip Center and Sprains and Strains Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Ankle Sprain and Sprains and Strains.
Related eMedicine topics:
Ankle Impingement Syndrome
Ankle Injury, Soft Tissue
Ankle Sprain
Ankle Taping and Bracing
Related Medscape topics
Resource Center Exercise and Sports Medicine
Resource Center Joint Disorders
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
Approximately 3600 cases of talofibular ligament injury per 100,000 people are reported per year.
The lateral articular capsule of the ankle can be divided into anterior and posterior segments. The anterior segment attaches proximally to the anterior portion of the distal tibia superior to the articular surface and to the border of the articular surface of the medial malleolus. The posterior segment attaches distally to the talus just posterior to its superior articular facet and attaches laterally to the depression in the medial surface of the lateral malleolus.
The ATFL is intracapsular and attaches anteriorly to the anterior border of the distal fibula and laterally to the neck of the talus. The PTFL attaches posteriorly to the digital fossa of the fibula and laterally to the lateral tubercle on the posterior portion of the talus.
The talofibular ligaments along with the CFL are components of the lateral ligament complex. This complex becomes stressed when the ankle is inverted and plantar flexed. Supination of the foot in neutral flexion usually results in injury of the CFL. Supination and adduction injuries tear both the ATFL and the CFL.
The PTFL is the strongest of the lateral ligaments, and extreme inversion with plantar flexion is required to place the PTFL under stress; as a result, the PTFL is less commonly injured. Transient subluxation or dislocation of the talus from the tibial mortise usually results in injury of all 3 lateral ligaments. Prevention of anterior displacement of the talus is primarily a function of the ATFL. Little additional motion occurs when the CFL also is damaged. Instability to inversion is greater when both the CFL and the ATFL are injured than when either ligament is injured alone.
The history portion of the examination for a suspected talofibular ligament injury should include the following:
The physical examination for a suspected talofibular injury should include the following:
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Trauma
Resource Center Vascular Surgery
Specialty Site Neurology & Neurosurgery
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
| Achilles Tendon Rupture | Calcaneofibular Ligament Injury |
| Achilles Tendonitis | Peroneal Tendon Syndromes |
| Ankle Fracture | |
| Ankle Impingement Syndrome | |
| Ankle Sprain |
Ankle dislocation (see also eMedicine's Joint Reduction, Ankle Dislocation [in the Clinical Procedures section])
Calcaneus bone injuries
Midfoot injuries
Related Medscape topic:
Resource Center Pathology & Lab Medicine
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Joint Disorders
Resource Center Pain Management: Advanced Approaches to Chronic Pain Management
Resource Center Pain Management: Pharmacologic Approaches
Specialty Site Radiology
Initial treatment of all grades of lateral ankle sprains consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ice should be applied to the injured ankle for approximately 20 minutes, 3-4 times per day. Compressive dressings should be used to control swelling. Weight bearing should be encouraged as soon as it is tolerated. With grade III injuries, an ankle brace should be worn at all times till the patient can ambulate pain free. Ankle braces can be used for support in all ankle sprains and may help promote earlier ambulation. Studies have found an air stirrup brace and ACE wrap are beneficial in grade 1 ankle sprains and may help in grade II and III sprains as well.
The early phase of rehabilitation is begun approximately 48 hours postinjury. Icing is continued and range of motion exercises are initiated. Writing the alphabet with the great toe moves the ankle through full range of motion in all planes. Stationary biking and stretching of the Achilles tendon are also beneficial.
As strength and mobility improve, isometric exercises for ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion are initiated. The isometric exercises are followed by resistance exercises (initially using a Thera-Band strap) and then heel and toe raises. Agility training also aids in returning the athlete to sports. Proprioceptive and balance training are also extremely important to help the patient heal fully, especially in jumping athletes. Proprioceptive training should be incorporated into all rehabilitation protocols.
In grade III ankle sprains, some studies have shown that early mobilization and rehabilitation may provide earlier functional recovery relative to surgery, and there is general agreement to try a 6-week period of conservative management, including early, controlled mobilization and rehabilitation before considering surgery.
Also, no difference is found in long-term outcome when comparing early surgical repair with delayed surgical repair following failed conservative therapy. Therefore, there is no indication for routine early surgical repair.
Related eMedicine topics:
Achilles Tendon Pathology
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Achilles Tendonitis
Toxicity, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Adverse Drug Events Reporting
Specialty Site Surgery
Primary repair of acute lateral ligament tears is rarely indicated. Open repair seems to offer no advantage over closed management at the time of the initial injury. Delayed repair may be necessary in patients with chronic mechanical instability on clinical examination and functional instability; however, surgical intervention in these cases should only be considered after an aggressive rehabilitation program has been unsuccessful.
When the early phase rehabilitation goals of decreased swelling, full weight bearing, and no tenderness to palpation are met, more aggressive strengthening and proprioceptive training are added. Increased stretching of the Achilles tendon, as well as the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, is performed using an incline board. Thera-Band exercises are continued for strengthening. Exercises such as one-leg stands and wobble board training are added for proprioception. This training continues until the ankle is at 80-90% of full strength and there are no deficits in proprioception. When these goals are met, the patient may be discharged from therapy.
Maximum benefit from conservative therapy is reached after approximately 10 weeks of active rehabilitation. At this time, 20% of athletes continue to have symptoms secondary to either a functional or mechanical instability. If the patient has reached his or her maximal benefit from functional rehabilitation and has a persistent deficit, then surgical reconstruction should be considered.
The patient should be independent with a home exercise program with sport-specific activities and gradually return to play when the functional goals are met. The physician and/or physical therapist may recommend taping or bracing the ankle upon returning to activity. Taping or bracing a previously injured ankle during athletic activity has been shown to reduce the incidence of recurrent injury.
The goal of medical therapy is to reduce pain during the acute phase of recovery.
Related eMedicine topics:
Toxicity, Acetaminophen
Toxicity, Narcotics
Toxicity, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Adverse Drug Events Reporting
Resource Center Opioids: A Guide to State Opioid Prescribing Policies
Resource Center Pain Management: Advanced Approaches to Chronic Pain Management
Resource Center Pain Management: Pharmacologic Approaches
NSAIDs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities, which make these ideal agents for treating ankle injuries. The mechanism of action of NSAIDs is not known, but they may inhibit cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms may exist as well, such as inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation and various cell membrane functions. Many NSAIDs are currently on the market. In general, the mechanism of action of these agents is the same. No evidence exists that one NSAID is more efficacious than another; however, individual response may differ.
Acetaminophen, with or without an opiate analgesic, may be added to NSAID therapy (or used as a substitute).
DOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
200-400 mg PO q4-6h while symptoms persist; not to exceed 3.2 g/d
6 months to 12 years: 4-10 mg/kg/dose PO tid/qid
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Coadministration with aspirin increases the risk of inducing serious NSAID-related side effects; probenecid may increase the concentrations and, possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease the effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease the diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT duration when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease, recent GI bleeding or perforation, renal insufficiency, or high risk of bleeding
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in the presence of anticoagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy
For relief of mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of cyclooxygenase, which results in a decrease of prostaglandin synthesis.
500 mg PO followed by 250 mg q6-8h; not to exceed 1.25 g/d
<2 years: Not established
>2 years: 2.5 mg/kg/dose PO; not to exceed 10 mg/kg/d
Coadministration with aspirin increases the risk of inducing serious NSAID-related side effects; probenecid may increase the concentrations and, possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease the effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease the diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT duration when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI bleeding or perforation; renal insufficiency
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Acute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion risk acute renal failure; leukopenia occurs rarely, is transient, and usually returns to normal during therapy; persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia warrants further evaluation and may require discontinuation of the drug.
Pain control is essential to quality patient care. Analgesics ensure patient comfort and have sedating properties, which are beneficial for patients who have sustained trauma or who have sustained injuries.
DOC for pain in patients with documented hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs, with upper GI disease, or who are taking oral anticoagulants.
325-650 mg PO q4-6h or 1000 mg tid/qid; not to exceed 4 g/d
<12 years: 10-15 mg/kg/dose PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 2.6 g/d
>12 years: 325-650 mg PO q4h; not to exceed 5 doses in 24 h
Rifampin can reduce the analgesic effects of acetaminophen; coadministration with barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, and isoniazid may increase hepatotoxicity.
Documented hypersensitivity; known G-6-P deficiency
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Hepatotoxicity is possible in persons with chronic alcoholism following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate a serious illness; APAP is contained in many OTC products, and combined use with these products may result in cumulative APAP doses that exceed the recommended maximum dose.
Drug combination indicated for moderate to severe pain.
1-2 tab or cap PO q4-6h prn pain
<12 years: 10-15 mg/kg/dose acetaminophen PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 2.6 g/d acetaminophen
>12 years: 750 mg acetaminophen PO q4h; not to exceed 10 mg hydrocodone bitartrate per dose or 5 doses/24 h
Coadministration with phenothiazines may decrease analgesic effects; toxicity increases with CNS depressants or tricyclic antidepressants.
Documented hypersensitivity; high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or elevated intracranial pressure (ICP)
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
The tablets contain metabisulfite, which may cause hypersensitivity; caution in patients who are dependent on opiates because this substitution may result in acute opiate-withdrawal symptoms; caution in the presence of severe renal or hepatic dysfunction
Indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain.
30-60 mg/dose based on codeine content PO q4-6h or 1-2 tab q4h; not to exceed 4 g/d of acetaminophen
0.5-1 mg/kg/dose based on codeine PO q4-6h; 10-15 mg/kg/dose based on acetaminophen content; not to exceed 2.6 g/d of acetaminophen
Toxicity increases with CNS depressants or tricyclic antidepressants
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in patients who are dependent on opiates because this substitution may result in acute opiate-withdrawal symptoms; caution in the presence of severe renal or hepatic dysfunction
Athletes may return to sports following a talofibular ligament injury when they are able to run and pivot without pain while the ankle is braced. Bracing and taping of the injured ankle is continued during athletic activities for 6 months.
Related Medscape topic:
Resource Center Exercise and Sports Medicine
Up to 20% of patients with an acute inversion injury develop chronic functional instability. Electromyography (EMG) has demonstrated prolonged reaction times of the peroneal muscle in this group of patients. Strengthening and proprioception exercises can lead to improvement. Patients whose injury do not respond and have continued mechanical laxity and functional instability may be candidates for lateral ligament reconstruction.
Completion of an adequate rehabilitation program, as well as functional bracing or taping for 6 months following the injury, minimizes the chance of recurrent injury.
Eighty percent of patients with lateral ankle injuries make a full recovery following conservative rehabilitation. Up to 20% demonstrate chronic ankle instability, requiring prolonged therapy and possibly surgical repair.
To help prevent recurrent injury, patients should be instructed regarding the proper techniques for ankle taping and bracing. Ankle-strengthening and proprioception exercises should also be an important part of rehabilitation, and the patient should be instructed in an appropriate home exercise program.
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Fracture
Resource Center Medical Malpractice and Legal Issues
Resource Center Trauma
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
Specialty Site Radiology
Anderson RB. Ankle and foot: reconstruction. In: Kasser JK, ed. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 5. Rosemont, Ill: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 1996:525-48.
Brage ME, Colville MR, Early JS. Ankle and foot: trauma. In: Beaty JH, ed. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 6. Rosemont, Ill: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 1999:597-612.
Breitenseher MJ. [Injury of the ankle joint ligaments] [German]. Radiologe. Mar 2007;47(3):216-23. [Medline].
Brukner P, Khan KM. Acute ankle injuries. Clinical Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. San Francisco, Calif: McGraw-Hill; 2006.
Fong BL, Brunet ME. The leg, ankle, and foot. In: Perrin DH, ed. The Injured Athlete. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott-Raven; 1999:432-9.
Garrett WE Jr. Trauma: soft tissue. In: Fitzgerald RH Jr, ed. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 2. Rosemont, Ill: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 1987:89-96.
Haraguchi N, Toga H, Shiba N, Kato F. Avulsion fracture of the lateral ankle ligament complex in severe inversion injury: incidence and clinical outcome. Am J Sports Med. Jul 2007;35(7):1144-52. [Medline].
Harmon KG. Which support is best for first-time ankle sprains?. Clin J Sport Med. Jul 2007;17(4):333-4. [Medline].
Jackson MD, Moeller JL, Hough DO. Basketball injuries. In: Sallis RE, Massimino F, eds. American College of Sports Medicine's Essentials of Sports Medicine. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1996:558-9.
Jayanthi N. Lower leg and ankle. In: McKeag DB, Moeller J, eds. ACSM's Primary Care Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2007.
Kelikian H, Kelikian AS. Disruption of the fibular collateral ligament. In: Kelikian H, Kelikian AS, eds. Disorders of the Ankle. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1985:437-90.
Kerkhoffs GM, Handoll HH, de Bie R, Rowe BH, Struijs PA. Surgical versus conservative treatment for acute injuries of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Apr 18 2007;CD000380. [Medline].
Magee D. Lower leg, ankle, and foot. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 4th ed. Toronto, Canada: Elsevier Sciences; 2006.
Mann RA. Ankle and foot: reconstruction. In: Fitzgerald RH Jr, ed. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 2. Rosemont, Ill: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 1987:455-63.
Mellion MB, Walsh WM, Shelton GL, eds. The Team Physician's Handbook. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Hanley and Belfus; 2002.
Rubin A. Ankle ligament sprains. In: Sallis RE, Massimino F, eds. American College of Sports Medicine's Essentials of Sports Medicine. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1996:450-2.
Samoto N, Sugimoto K, Takaoka T, et al. Comparative results of conservative treatments for isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury and injury to both the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament of the ankle as assessed by subtalar arthrography. J Orthop Sci. Jan 2007;12(1):49-54. [Medline].
Schepsis AA. Ligamentous injuries of the ankle. In: Yablon IG, Segal D, Leach RE, eds. Ankle Injuries. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1983:193-208.
Scranton PE. Ankle and foot: trauma. In: Fitzgerald RH Jr, ed. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 2. Rosemont, Ill: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 1987:447-54.
Simons S. Rehabilitation of ankle injuries. In: Sallis RE, Massimino F, eds. Simons S. Rehabilitation of ankle injuries. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1996:458-61.
Snell R, Smith M. The bony pelvis and lower extremity. In: Clinical Anatomy for Emergency Medicine. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby-Year Book; 1993:708-9.
Tochigi Y, Rudert MJ, McKinley TO, Pedersen DR, Brown TD. Correlation of dynamic cartilage contact stress aberrations with severity of instability in ankle incongruity. J Orthop Res. Sep 2008;26(9):1186-93. [Medline].
talofibular ligament injury, ankle sprain, inversion ankle injury, lateral ligament ankle sprain, anterior talofibular ligament injury, ATFL sprain, posterior talofibular ligament injury, PTFL sprain, recurrent ankle sprain
Marc A Molis, MD, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine of Iowa
Marc A Molis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Association, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and Iowa Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
David F Martin, MD, Program Director, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
David F Martin, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Sports Medicine, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Southern Medical Association, and Southern Orthopaedic Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Craig C Young, MD, Professor, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Community and Family Medicine, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine Fellowship Director, Medical College of Wisconsin
Craig C Young, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, Phi Beta Kappa, and Wilderness Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Russell D White, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Truman Medical Center Lakewood
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Jon B Whitehurst, MD, Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner and Executive Board Member, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital
Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Sherwin SW Ho, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago
Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.