Special test for the ligamentous instability in the ankle:

• These tests are applied to the clinic the check the ligamentous instability in the ankle.
• These tests are clinical diagnostic test which is applied in the clinic.
• These tests are applied by physiotherapists or doctors when the patients complain about ankle pain.

Name of the special test of ligamentous instability in the ankle:

1. Dorsiflexion compression test
2. Dorsiflexion maneuver
3. Fibular translation test

Purpose of the Special test for the ligamentous instability in the ankle:

• These tests are used to check the ligamentous instability in the ankle.
• It is also used to check the problems in syndesmosis.
• It is applied with the check of the ROM of the ankle.

Dorsiflexion compression test :-

The technique of dorsiflexion compression test :

• The starting position of the test is standing.
• While in bilateral weight-bearing, the patient is asked to move their ankle into extreme dorsiflexion.
• The patient has noted whether this maneuver is painful while the examiner notes the end ROM.
• After that, the patient is returned to a normal standing position again.
• Then the examiner applies a force of compression with the help of two hands surrounding the malleoli of the affected leg.
• While this compression is maintained, the patient is asked to move into dorsiflexion again.

• Result = a decrease in pain on dorsiflexion or an increase in dorsiflexion range indicates a positive test.

Dorsiflexion maneuver :-

The technique of dorsiflexion maneuver :

• The starting position of the test is sitting.
• The patient sits on the edge of the examiner table.
• The examiner stabilizes the patient’s leg with the help of one hand & with the help of the other hand passively & forcefully dorsiflexes the foot by holding onto the heel & using the forearm to dorsiflex the foot.

• Result = pain on forced dorsiflexion indicates a positive test for a syndesmosis problem.

Fibular translation test :-

The technique of dorsiflexion maneuver :

• The starting position of the test is side – lying.
• The examiner faces the foot to be examined from the front & stabilizes the tibia with the help of one hand & translates the fibular malleolus anteriorly & posteriorly with the help of the other hand.

Result = if pain occurs during the translation/if the movement is greater on the affected side, the test is considered positive for a
syndesmosis injury.