WHAT IS A HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN?
A high ankle sprain is also called an syndesmosis sprain. The syndesmosis is the dense, fatty tissue that runs the entire length between the tibia and fibula. It is maintained by the posterior and anterior tibiofibular ligaments. Injuries to the syndesmosis accounts for about 10% of ankle sprains. A high ankle sprain results in a longer recovery compared to medial or lateral ankle sprains. This type of sprain often occurs in collision sports where planting and cutting are often seen. This action causes the external rotation and dorsiflexion motions that are a common cause of high ankle sprains.
History
Swelling over distal tibiofibular syndesmosis
Palpation
Pain over the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, anterior
tibiofibular ligament, and posterior tibiofibular ligament
Range of Motion
- Pain: Anterior portion of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis
- Mechanism: External rotation of the talus with ankle in dorsiflextion
- Onset: Acute
Swelling over distal tibiofibular syndesmosis
Palpation
Pain over the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, anterior
tibiofibular ligament, and posterior tibiofibular ligament
Range of Motion
- AROM: pain with dorsiflexion and eversion
- PROM: all motions limited by pain