Ankle Sprains: Calcaneal Fibular Ligament

An ankle sprain, more commonly called “rolling your ankle,” is a stretch or tear in one or more ankle ligaments. It most commonly involves the anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneal fibular ligament.  The former has been discussed in a previous blog.

At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic stability is a key concept in the treatment of orthopedic injuries.  Stability is one of  many critical concepts discussed in Ortho 2.0.  Joint instability can lead to injury, acceleration of cartilage and meniscus degeneration and an alternation in bio mechanics.

The calcaneal fibular ligament  is a narrow cord that connects the distal tip of fibula with posterior and lateral aspect of the calcaneus.

Inversion sprain is the most common injury whereby the  ankle is inverted and ligament are stretched or torn.

The  primary function of the calcaneal fibular ligament is to stablize sub-talar joint and limit inversion.

At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic the talar tilt test is  to evaluate talar instability.  The talar tilt test is defined as the angle produced by the tibial plafond and the dome of the talus in response to forceful inversion of the hindfoot.

The calcaneus and talus are grasped as a unit and tilted into inversion. The tibia is held stable with the ankle in neutral dorsiflexion.

Risk factors for an ankle sprain include:  weak muscles/tendons, weak or lax ligaments and poor ankle flexibility.