Inversion Stress Test or Lateral Stress |
Examination type |
ligamentous,
joint stability. |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
The knee is
flexed at 90 degrees while hanging over the edge of the table,
and the gastrocnemius is relaxed. Patient is short
sitting. |
Examiner Position |
The heel is held
by one hand and the tibia and fibula are held with the other
hand. The hand on the heel is placed somewhat inferior lateral
to push the calcaneus and talus into inversion. The other hand
is on the medial side of the lower leg. |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Calcaneofibular
ligament or anterior talofibular ligament. |
Performing the Test |
Provide an
inversion stress by pushing the calcaneus and talus inward while
pushing the lower leg laterally. Repeat with the ankle plantar
flexed. |
Positive Test |
When the talus
tilts excessively on the injured side more than the uninjured
side. Pain can also be associated on the injured side. |
Interpretation |
Injury to the
calcaneofibular ligament or the anterior talofibular ligament. |
Common errors in
performing exam |
A common error
would be not pushing on the calcaneus medially enough. Another
mistake would be pushing the wrong way on the calcaneus. |
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
The examiner
could miss the ligament that is torn by not putting enough
stress while inverting the calcaneus. Another misinterpretation
would be when the examiner performs the wrong test. |
Related tests |
Talar
Tilt test |
References |
Ankle Special
Test; Orthopedic Physical Assessment; |
Links: |
http://www.natareview.com/AnkleSpecialTest.html
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