tibiofibular syndesmosis ligament injury (high ankle sprain)

Etiology

• high ankle sprain
  • excessive external rotation of a dorsiflexed ankle or planted foot

Epidemiology

• most commonly occurs with skiing injury & injury related to contact sports

Clinical manifestations

• pain generally anterior & lateral just above the ankle
• inability or difficulty bearing weight
• weak plantar flexion may be noted
• swelling & echymoses less frequent than lateral ankle sprains
• positive midcalf squeeze test produces pain just above the ankle
• negative anterior drawer test of ankle
• negative talar tilt test

Complications

• protracted disability

Management

• rest, ice, compression, splinting as needed
• referral to orthopedics due to potential for protracted disability

More general terms

• ankle sprain

Additional terms

• tibiofibular syndesmosis