Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72312
LATERAL ANKLE SPRAIN I have rarely met a person who has not sprained at least one ankle. After the low back, the ankle is probably the second most common area of injury. The seriousness of a sprain can vary considerably. In minor sprains only a small number of ligament fibers swell or tear, while in most serious sprains, one or more ligaments rupture completely. The vast majority of ankle sprains affect one or more of the three lateral ligaments: the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, and the posterior talofibular ligament (see Figures 1 and 2). ANTERIOR TALOFIBULAR LIGAMENT FIGURE 1 CALCANEOFIBULAR LIGAMENT The anterior talofibular ligament connects the distal anterior fibula to the neck of the talus and prevents anterior subluxation of the talus. It is the shortest and weakest of the lateral ligaments and the most vulnerable to injury. The calcaneofibular ligament, the longest lateral ligament, is a narrow, rounded cord that connects the distal tip of the fibula to the posterior lateral aspect of calcaneus. This structure plays a major role in stabilizing the ankle joint and limiting inversion. Because it is not contiguous with the joint capsule of the ankle, it causes relatively little swelling when injured. The posterior talofibular ligament connects the posterior surface of the lateral malleolus to the lateral tubercle of the talus. It is strongest of the lateral ligaments and prevents posterior subluxation of the talus. In the majority of ankle sprains, the anterior talofibular ligament is most strongly affected, and in severe sprains, one or both of the other two lateral ligaments may be affected as well. FIGURE 2 POSTERIOR TALOFILBULAR LIGAMENT CREDIT: Putz/Pabst: Sobotta, Atlas der Anatomie des Menschen, 22nd edition, 2006 Elsevier GmbH, Urban & Fischer München massagetherapy.com—for you and your clients 111