Diagnostic value of stress radiography in lesions of the lateral ligaments of the ankle

The diagnostic accuracy of inversion and anterior stress radiography in rupture of the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint was assessed in 56 patients undergoing surgery. In inversion stress radiography, 58% of the patients with confirmed rupture of the lateral ligaments of the ankle had a talar tilt of 10 degrees or more, allowing a predicitive value of a positive test of 94%. In anterior stress radiography, 53% of the patients had a posterior tibiotalar distance of 9 mm or more, allowing a predictive value of a positive test of 81%. In measurements of talar tilt and anterior displacement of the talus values higher than normal in the injured ankle may be a sign of a rupture of the lateral ligament. (orig.)