Understanding the Talar tilt Assessment
To assess the integrity of the **collateral ligaments** of the ankle, specifically the **Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL)** for inversion stress and the **Deltoid Ligament** for eversion stress.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is supine or sitting with the foot hanging off the table. The ankle is held in neutral dorsiflexion.
What happens?
The examiner stabilizes the distal tibia and applies a forceful **inversion stress** (medial tilt) to the talus, followed by a forceful **eversion stress** (lateral tilt).
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
**Excessive gapping or tilting** of the talus within the mortise, compared to the unaffected side, or a 'soft' endpoint. **Excessive inversion** suggests CFL tear; **excessive eversion** suggests Deltoid ligament tear.
Helpful Tip:
The test is more specific to the CFL when the ankle is in neutral dorsiflexion, as this is the CFL's most stressed position.
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.
Impingement sign ankle (Anterior Ankle Impingement)
To diagnose **Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome** (bony or soft tissue impingement at the front of the joint).