Which test is used to assess high ankle sprain that evaluates syndesmotic integrity?

Which test is used to assess high ankle sprain that evaluates syndesmotic integrity?

• A. Thompson test
• B. Tinel sign
• C. Anterior drawer test
• D. Squeeze test

Answer: (D)

High ankle sprains involve the tibiofibular syndesmosis, so you want a test that stresses that joint and provokes symptoms there. The squeeze test does exactly that: by compressing the calf, force is transmitted up the leg and stresses the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. If there’s syndesmotic injury, this produces pain around the distal syndesmosis and can indicate instability. The other tests target different structures: the Thompson test checks the Achilles tendon, the Tinel sign looks for nerve irritation, and the anterior drawer test assesses the anterior talofibular ligament. So the squeeze test is the best choice for evaluating syndesmotic integrity in a suspected high ankle sprain.

High ankle sprains involve the tibiofibular syndesmosis, so you want a test that stresses that joint and provokes symptoms there. The squeeze test does exactly that: by compressing the calf, force is transmitted up the leg and stresses the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. If there’s syndesmotic injury, this produces pain around the distal syndesmosis and can indicate instability. The other tests target different structures: the Thompson test checks the Achilles tendon, the Tinel sign looks for nerve irritation, and the anterior drawer test assesses the anterior talofibular ligament. So the squeeze test is the best choice for evaluating syndesmotic integrity in a suspected high ankle sprain.