Inversion ankle sprain typically injures which ligament first?

Inversion ankle sprain typically injures which ligament first?

• A. Anterior talofibular
• B. Anterior tibiofibular
• C. Calcaneofibular
• D. Deltoid

Answer: (A)

Inversion ankle sprains begin with tearing of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, and the first structure usually injured is the anterior talofibular ligament. This ligament sits directly between the fibula and the talus and is the weakest of the lateral stabilizers, so it bears the initial stress when the foot twists inward, especially when the foot is in plantarflexion. If the force is greater, a second structure called the calcaneofibular ligament may tear next, and with even more force the posterior talofibular ligament can be involved in more severe injuries. The deltoid ligament on the medial side is not typically affected in a simple inversion sprain because the mechanism is inward rolling, not eversion, and the anterior tibiofibular ligament (part of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis) is more associated with higher ankle sprains than with the first tearing in a common inversion injury.

Inversion ankle sprains begin with tearing of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, and the first structure usually injured is the anterior talofibular ligament. This ligament sits directly between the fibula and the talus and is the weakest of the lateral stabilizers, so it bears the initial stress when the foot twists inward, especially when the foot is in plantarflexion. If the force is greater, a second structure called the calcaneofibular ligament may tear next, and with even more force the posterior talofibular ligament can be involved in more severe injuries. The deltoid ligament on the medial side is not typically affected in a simple inversion sprain because the mechanism is inward rolling, not eversion, and the anterior tibiofibular ligament (part of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis) is more associated with higher ankle sprains than with the first tearing in a common inversion injury.