- Discussion:
- talar instability is assessed w/ talar tilt test, in which angle formed by tibial
plafond & talar dome is measured as inversion force is applied to hindfoot;
- talar tilt test is useful for evaluation of a combined injury of both the
Anterior Talofibular and the
Calcaneofibular ligaments.
- isolated rupture of the calcaneofibular ligament probably does not cause
demonstrable ankle laxity;
- talar tilt to range from 0 to 23 degrees but most normal ankles have a
tilt of approx 5 deg or less;
- testing w/ ankle in plantar flexion assesses
Anterior Talofibular
ligament primarily and the
calcaneofibular ligament secondarily;
- when the
Anterior Talofibular ligament alone is ruptured, small
increases in talar tilt are noted;
- combined rupture of
Anterior Talofibular ligament & calcaneo-
fibular ligament results in increased talar tilt;
- Method of Testing:
- talar tilt test is performed w/ patient seated & w/ ankle & foot unsupported in
10 to 20 degrees of plantar flexion;
- examiner stabilizes the medial aspect of the distal part of leg,
just proximal to
medial malleolus, with one hand & applies inversion force slowly to the
hindfoot with the other hand;
- lateral aspect of the talus should be palpated during inversion of hindfoot to
determine if tilting is occurring at
Ankle Joint;
