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Lateral ankle ligament injury

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

The patient had left ankle inversion injury about 1 week prior to the ultrasound. Ankle radiographs were negative for fracture. Post-injury immobilization was done.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Female
ultrasound

There is mild anechoic effusion in the anterior recess of the ankle.

There is a discontinuity of the anterior talofibular ligament with sagging torn ends. The torn ligament is thick and hypoechoic.

The calcaneofibular ligament is thick and hypoechoic. There is a bone flake in the caudal part of the ligament. The donor site defect is present in the adjacent calcaneum. Plantar and dorsal flexion of the foot shows the movement of the avulsed bone flake.

Asymptomatic right side shows normal anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament.

Case Discussion

The case shows complete tear of the anterior talofibular ligament and bony avulsion of the calcaneofibular ligament from the calcaneum.

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