Which test is used to assess distal tibiofibular ligament injury?

Which test is used to assess distal tibiofibular ligament injury?

• A. Thompson test
• B. Navicular drop test
• C. Syndesmosis squeeze test
• D. Anterior drawer test

Answer: (C)

The key idea is identifying injuries to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, the ligaments holding the tibia and fibula together near the ankle. The syndesmosis squeeze test directly stresses these distal ligaments. By squeezing the calf, you push the tibia and fibula together, which forces a moment of widening at the distal joint and can provoke pain if the syndesmosis is torn. A positive result—pain around the distal ankle or visible instability—suggests a syndesmotic injury. In contrast, the other tests target different structures: the Thompson test checks the Achilles tendon, the navicular drop test assesses arch mechanics, and the anterior drawer test stresses the anterior talofibular ligament. So the squeeze test is the most specific choice for distal tibiofibular ligament injury.

The key idea is identifying injuries to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, the ligaments holding the tibia and fibula together near the ankle. The syndesmosis squeeze test directly stresses these distal ligaments. By squeezing the calf, you push the tibia and fibula together, which forces a moment of widening at the distal joint and can provoke pain if the syndesmosis is torn. A positive result—pain around the distal ankle or visible instability—suggests a syndesmotic injury.

In contrast, the other tests target different structures: the Thompson test checks the Achilles tendon, the navicular drop test assesses arch mechanics, and the anterior drawer test stresses the anterior talofibular ligament. So the squeeze test is the most specific choice for distal tibiofibular ligament injury.