Anatomy & Function
What joint is responsible for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion?
Talocrural joint
Open packed position of the ankle is _______.
Plantarflexion
What is the most common type of ankle sprain? What ligaments are involved?
lateral ankle sprains: Anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, posterior talofibular
Most common joint affected by gout?
1st MTP (great toe)
First phase of rehab progression after injury? What do we focus on here?
Max protection phase : pain management, RICE, maintianing not gaining strength and ROM, patient education
Which ligament limits eversion of the ankle?
Deltoid Ligament
Closed packed position of the ankle is _______.
Which special test is used to assess ATFL integrity?
anterior drawer test
Pain with first steps in the morning is classic for _______.
Plantar Fasciitis
Why are eccentric exercises emphasized for Achilles tendinopathy?
Improve tendon strength & endurance
Name one muscle responsible for ankle eversion.
Peroneus (fibularis) longus or brevis
What is the capsular pattern of the talocrural joint?
PF, DF
how are ankle sprains classified?
grades 1 - 3 :
grade 1 : 1 ligament
grade 2 : 2 ligaments
grade 3 : 3 ligaments / complete rupture
MOI for lateral ankle sprain?
Plantarflexion + inversion
After total ankle arthroplasty, why is weight bearing typically progressed gradually?
to allow for healing and to protect implant fixation and reduce risk of component loosening
Which muscle is MOST responsible for dorsiflexion of the ankle during initial contact to loading response in gait?
Tibialis Anterior
A patient with ankle joint effusion will MOST likely demonstrate limitation in which motions due to the capsular pattern?
Plantarflexion and dorsiflexion
Which ligament is MOST likely injured in a severe inversion sprain involving plantarflexion and adduction?
Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
A patient with end-stage ankle arthritis undergoes a surgical procedure to eliminate pain by permanently fusing the talocrural joint. Which procedure was MOST likely performed?
ankle arthrodesis
Which intervention is MOST appropriate during the maximum protection phase following an acute lateral ankle sprain?
Gentle PF/DF ROM in a pain-free range with external support
Injury to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) would MOST likely result in excessive ______ motion at the ankle.
Inversion (especially in plantarflexion)
Why is the ankle joint MOST stable in dorsiflexion compared to plantarflexion?
Wider dome of the anterior talus is wedged into the mortise, increasing joint congruency
During rehabilitation of a lateral ankle sprain, why should end-range inversion be avoided early?
To prevent stress on healing lateral ligaments and reduce risk of re-injury
Why might ankle arthrodesis be preferred over total ankle arthroplasty in a younger, highly active patient?
Greater durability and fewer implant-related complications
Why is balance and proprioceptive training emphasized during the return-to-function phase after ankle sprain?
To reduce recurrence by improving neuromuscular control and joint stability