The Ankle-Joint Complex: A Kinesiologic Approach to Lateral Ankle Sprains

Abstract

Copious research exists regarding ankle instability, yet lateral ankle sprains (LASs) persist in being among the most common recurrent musculoskeletal injuries. Key anatomical structures of the ankle include a triform articulating structure that includes the inferior tibiofibular, talocrural, and subtalar joints. Functionally, force absorption and propulsion through the ankle complex are necessary for any task that occurs in weight bearing. For optimal ankle performance and avoidance of injury, an intricate balance between stability and mobility is necessary to ensure that appropriate force transfer occurs during sports and activities of daily living. Consideration for the many structures that may be directly or indirectly involved in LASs will likely translate into advancements in clinical care. In this clinical review, we present the structure, function, and relevant pathologic states of the ankle complex to stimulate a better understanding of the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of LASs.

A mouse model of ankle-subtalar joint complex instability induced post-traumatic osteoarthritis

“…However, there is no consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of ankle-subtalar joint complex instability in the international community [ 12 ]. Although a number of researchers have demonstrated that subtalar joint instability is often accompanied by ankle instability, the structure of the ankle-subtalar joint complex is invariably studied in isolation to its function, with little attention paid to the subtalar joint [ 2 , 13 ]. Therefore, no suitable animal model of the ankle-subtalar joint complex has so far been established.…”

Serial Within-Session Improvements in Ankle Dorsiflexion During Clinical Interventions Including Mobilization-With-Movement and A Novel Manipulation Intervention – A Case Series

“…While some researchers ascribe treatment benefits to changing joint mechanics others suggest combinations of soft tissue relaxation and/or stretch tolerance are more important factors. 6,[43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] The data presented here suggests that stretch tolerance is less likely to be a major contributor to the improvements seen given the two baseline measures remained essentially unchanged however beyond this we are unable to speculate as to exactly how these ranges of motion are improving. Future work might consider muscle tone, tissue compliance, and arthrokinematics as potential sources of the improvements seen.…”

Exosomes derived from platelet-rich plasma administration in site mediate cartilage protection in subtalar osteoarthritis

“…Ankle sprain is the most common injury related to physical activity and athletic participation, accounting for about 60% of all injuries in interscholastic sports [ 1 , 2 ]. The annual medical cost of approximately 2 million acute ankle sprains is estimated to be approximately $ 4.2 billion [ 3 , 4 ]. Therefore, it is a major public health problem and a major health care burden, although ankle sprain is often regarded as an inconsequential injury.…”

“…Therefore, it is a major public health problem and a major health care burden, although ankle sprain is often regarded as an inconsequential injury. Unfortunately, ankle sprain is not a onetime injury, which is one of the strongest risk factors for recurrent ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability (CAI) [ 3 , 4 ]. More importantly, as many as 78% of CAI patients develop posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (OA) [ 5 , 6 ].…”