Anterior Ankle Impingement and Ankle Instability

Ankle Instability Update

“…It typically occurs after a jump, when landing on the lateral border of the foot but also occurs if the foot gets locked on the ground while the body continues to turn. 4 10 The typical injury of the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle consists of a mechanism of plantar flexion and inversion that usually follows a predictive pattern. It initially starts with the ATFL, which is the weakest, then, if the magnitude of the force is greater, it will propagate, inferiorly affecting the calcaneal-fibular ligament.…”

“…Ankle instability can be divided into mechanical and functional. 4 9 10 Mechanical instability occurs when there is abnormal movement that can be detected clinically and radiologically. 5 Functional instability is defined as instability described by patients without a clinical or radiologic finding.…”

“…Patients complain of “giving away.” It is probably secondary to the disruption of capsular mechanoreceptors that lead to loss of nerve function and motor coordination; a tight Achilles tendon and weak peroneal tendons can be seen. 4 9 10 Chronic lateral ankle instability usually combines mechanical and functional instability. It has been associated with early developing osteoarthrosis.…”

“…4 9 They may be caused by loss of ligamentous strength, altered proprioception, and loss of neuromuscular control. 4 10 One important prognostic factor for new ankle sprains is a history of a previous sprain. These patients may benefit from surgical treatment.…”

“…Complications of acute ankle sprains are chronic pain, instability, impingement syndromes, peroneal tendon injury, posterior tibialis injuries, osteochondral talus lesions, and ultimately early osteoarthritis (OA). 10 11 12…”