What does kleiger's test test for?
Kleiger's test, also known as the external rotation test, determines the rotary damage to the deltoid ligament or the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis which is injured in a high ankle sprain. The tests places lateral force on the tibia, spreading the syndesmosis and stretching the deltoid ligament.
How is the test performed?
Patient Position: Sitting with legs over the edge of the table
Position of Examiner: In front of patient. One hand stabilizes the leg in a manner that does not compress the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. The other hand grasps the medial aspect of the foot while supporting the ankle in a neutral position.
Evaluative Procedure: The foot and talus are externally rotated. To stress the deltoid ligament, place ankle in neutral position (medial ankle sprain). To stress the syndesmosis, place the ankle in dorsiflexion (high ankle sprain).
Positive Test: Deltoid ligament involvement is suspected if there is medial joint pain when the test is performed in the neutral position. Syndesmosis involvement is suspected if pain is described in the anterolateral ankle at the site of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.
Implications: Medial pain is indicative of a medial ankle sprain. Pain in the tibiofibular ligaments is indicative of a high ankle sprain.
Position of Examiner: In front of patient. One hand stabilizes the leg in a manner that does not compress the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. The other hand grasps the medial aspect of the foot while supporting the ankle in a neutral position.
Evaluative Procedure: The foot and talus are externally rotated. To stress the deltoid ligament, place ankle in neutral position (medial ankle sprain). To stress the syndesmosis, place the ankle in dorsiflexion (high ankle sprain).
Positive Test: Deltoid ligament involvement is suspected if there is medial joint pain when the test is performed in the neutral position. Syndesmosis involvement is suspected if pain is described in the anterolateral ankle at the site of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.
Implications: Medial pain is indicative of a medial ankle sprain. Pain in the tibiofibular ligaments is indicative of a high ankle sprain.