Talar Tilt Test; clinical examination used to assess integrity of lateral ankle ligaments

The Talar Tilt Test is a clinical examination used to assess the integrity of the lateral ankle ligaments, particularly the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and sometimes the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). It helps diagnose ankle instability following sprains.

🔎 How It’s Performed
The patient sits or lies with the foot relaxed.

The examiner stabilizes the lower leg.

The heel is grasped, and the foot is inverted (tilted inward).

The degree of talar tilt (inversion of the talus relative to the tibia) is observed and compared with the opposite ankle.

📌 Interpretation
Normal: Minimal or no tilt (usually less than 5° difference compared to the other side).

Positive Test: Excessive inversion or tilt indicates ligament injury.

ATFL injury: Tilt seen in plantarflexion.

CFL injury: Tilt seen in neutral or dorsiflexion.

🩺 Clinical Use
Detects lateral ankle instability after sprains.

Differentiates between isolated ATFL injury and combined ATFL + CFL injury.

Often performed alongside the Anterior Drawer Test for a complete ankle stability assessment.

⚠️ Limitations
Requires patient relaxation; muscle guarding can reduce accuracy.

Subtle differences may be hard to detect without imaging.

Stress radiographs or MRI may be used to confirm ligament damage.

👉 In summary, the Talar Tilt Test is a simple bedside maneuver that helps clinicians evaluate lateral ankle ligament integrity, especially the calcaneofibular ligament, after inversion injuries

#Tilt #talus

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