In the Talar Tilt Test, which ligament is stressed by plantarflexion and inversion?

In the Talar Tilt Test, which ligament is stressed by plantarflexion and inversion?

• A. ATFL
• B. CFL
• C. PTFL
• D. Deltoid ligament

Answer: (A)

The main concept is which ligament on the lateral side of the ankle is tightest when the foot is placed in plantarflexion combined with inversion. Plantarflexion brings the talus forward and tightens the anterior talofibular ligament, so in this position the ATFL bears most of the load during an inversion stress. The ATFL is the primary restraint to anterior displacement of the talus relative to the fibula, making it the ligament most stressed when the foot is plantarflexed and inverted. In contrast, the calcaneofibular ligament is more involved with inversion when the foot is in neutral or dorsiflexion, and the posterior talofibular ligament is stressed with other directions of movement. The deltoid ligament on the medial side is engaged with eversion, not inversion. So the ligament stressed by plantarflexion and inversion in the Talar Tilt Test is the anterior talofibular ligament.

The main concept is which ligament on the lateral side of the ankle is tightest when the foot is placed in plantarflexion combined with inversion. Plantarflexion brings the talus forward and tightens the anterior talofibular ligament, so in this position the ATFL bears most of the load during an inversion stress. The ATFL is the primary restraint to anterior displacement of the talus relative to the fibula, making it the ligament most stressed when the foot is plantarflexed and inverted.

In contrast, the calcaneofibular ligament is more involved with inversion when the foot is in neutral or dorsiflexion, and the posterior talofibular ligament is stressed with other directions of movement. The deltoid ligament on the medial side is engaged with eversion, not inversion. So the ligament stressed by plantarflexion and inversion in the Talar Tilt Test is the anterior talofibular ligament.