Deltoid Ligament
Sprain
What is a Deltoid Ligament Sprain?
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A sprain of the deltoid ligaments with an
eversion mechanism
The deltoid ligaments are
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Posterior tibiotalar ligament
Tibiocalcaneal ligament
Anterior tibiotalar ligament
Tibionavicular ligament
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5-10% of ankle sprains are deltoid ligament
sprains
Also called an eversion ankle sprain
Less common because of ligamentous strength
and structure
Avulsion fracture normally will occur before a
sprain
Deltoid ligaments may be contused from an
inversion ankle sprain because of the
compression of the ligaments or impingement of
medial malleolus
Cause
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Forceful sudden eversion of ankle
External blow to lateral leg with foot planted
Sign and Symptoms
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Pain with ROM of ankle mostly in eversion
Tenderness over the medial side of ankle
Swelling
Ecchymosis
Instability
Inflammation
Gross deformity with a grade 3
Inability to bear weight
Examination
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Eversion stress test
Single heel raise
Evaluation of other ligamentous structure
ROM
Talar Tilt
Squeeze test
Bump Test
Bounce Percussion test
Classification
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Grade 1- Mild partial tear
-Mild or no instability
-Mild Pain
-Little swelling
-Some joint stiffness
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Grade 2- More of a severe Partial Tear
- Moderate instability
- Moderate to severe pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness in joint
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Grade 3- Complete tear
- Gross instability
- Severe to no pain
- Severe swelling
Diagnostic
Testing
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X-ray to rule of fracture
Use of ottawa rules for x-rays needed to be
taken to help rule out x-rays not needed
Treatment
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Healing takes longer than an inversion ankle
sprain
Untreated sprains may lead to a pes plantus
deformity
If a fracture is ruled out than treatment is similar to
an inversion ankle sprain but you would want to
limit eversion ROM
Ice
Compression
Elevation
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Anti inflammatories
Contrast bath in later stages to help reduce
swelling if needed
Jobst pump
Rehab
ABC’s
 Wobble board
 Theraband exercises
 Heel to toe walking
 Heel raises
 Balance exercises
 Bike
Be sure to check eversion ROM for pain free ROM
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Return to Play
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Pain free ROM walking and running
Deltoid tape job
Ankle brace
References
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Gallaspy, J.B. May Signs and Symptoms of
Athletic Injuries. Mosley Inc., St.Louis 1996, p.375
Arnheim, Daniel, Prentice, W.E. Principles of
Athletic Training. McGraw Hill: Boston 10th ed.
2000 p.494
www.aafp.org/20010101/93.html
www.tausportsmedicine.com/ottawa2htm.
www.google.com/deltoidligament.com
Thanks!!