Comparative Study on Accuracy of Different Diagnostic Methods of Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury of Ankle

Background: The lateral ligament complex of ankle joint consisting of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), is often injured by an ankle sprain. Improper diagnosis and treatment of lateral ligament complex injury are not only prone to recurrent sprain, pain, swelling and other symptoms, but also can lead to chronic lateral ankle instability, and osteoarthritis, which could seriously affect the joint motor function.

Method and objective: This study is a prospective diagnostic test. By comparing the sensitivity and specificity of stress X-ray, B-ultrasound, Computed tomography (CT), and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and analyzing the imaging manifestations and characteristics of different diagnostic methods of lateral chronic ankle instability, We aim to propose the criteria of the imaging diagnosis of lateral ankle ligament injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic lateral ankle ligament injury due to ankle sprain in patients over 16 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute and subacute injury of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle joint (less than 3 months), malalignment of ankle (more than 5 degrees), osteoarthritis (stage IV).

Patients with chronic lateral ligament complex injury of the ankle were divided into 3 groups and each group with 25 cases, according to the anterior drawer test and talar tilt test.