Wiad Lek. 2026;79(2):281-288. doi: 10.36740/WLek/214411.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Aim: To study changes in the length of the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) by measuring it before and during manual inversion loading in the presence of symptoms of chronic ankle-foot joint instability.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in patients of two age groups: 20-29 and 30-39 years. The length of the ligament was determined sonographically in the neutral position and in the position of maximum inversion.
RESULTS: Results: According to the results of the study, the average length of the uninjured ATFL in men in the neutral position was 19.08±0.3 mm. With inversion loading, the length of the ligament increased to 19.65±0.3 mm. In women, the average length of the uninjured ATFL in the neutral position was 16.92±0.2 mm, with inversion loading – 17.37±0.2 mm. With joint instability, the average length of the ATFL on the side of the injury in the neutral position was 19.13±0.36 mm, with inversion loading – 20.35±0.44 mm. The statistical difference in the length of the ATFL between the neutral position and inversion loading on the side of the injury was 1.25±0.04 mm (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The results of our study show that sonography with inversion loading is a highly sensitive, specific, and accurate imaging method that can be used to diagnose chronic ankle-foot joint instability.
PMID:41955587 | DOI:10.36740/WLek/214411
