Understanding the Impingement sign ankle (Anterior Ankle Impingement) Assessment
To diagnose **Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome** (bony or soft tissue impingement at the front of the joint).
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is supine or sitting.
What happens?
The examiner passively forces the ankle into **maximal dorsiflexion** while applying an **axial compression** force through the heel.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Sharp **pain is reproduced at the anterior aspect of the ankle joint** at the end range of dorsiflexion.
Helpful Tip:
This test jams the talus into the tibia/fibula, compressing any soft tissue or bony spurs (osteophytes) that may be present.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other ankel Tests
Anterior Drawer of the Ankle
To assess the integrity of the **Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)**, the most commonly injured ligament in lateral ankle sprains.
External Rotation Stress Test (or Syndesmosis Ligament Test)
To assess the integrity of the **Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis** (the 'high ankle sprain' ligaments, including the AITFL and PITFL).
Figure of Eight Method of Measuring Ankle Joint Swelling
To quantitatively measure and track **ankle and foot edema (swelling)** volume over time.
Kleiger's Test (External Rotation Test)
To assess the integrity of the **Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis** (high ankle sprain) and the **Deltoid Ligament** (medial ankle).