How to Perform an External Rotation Test of the Ankle

Because of how often people sprain their ankles, doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose the injury and decide what treatment the patient needs. One such test is the External Rotation Test of the Ankle, which puts strain on the anterior tibiofibular ligament. Of all ligaments in the ankle, this is one of the hardest to heal after an injury.

Instructions

• 1

  Instruct the patient to sit on the edge of the examination table or an elevated chair.

• 2

  Ask the patient to flex the knee of the injured leg over the edge of the table. The other leg should be relaxed and held in a comfortable position.

• 3

  Use one of your hands to stabilize the part of the patient's leg closest to the ankle. This keeps the leg from moving during the actual rotation of the ankle.

• 4

  Grab the bottom of the patient's foot with your other hand.

• 5

  Rotate the patient's foot externally, or away from the tibia. This will put strain on the high ankle ligament and should cause pain if the ligament is injured.

• 6

  Direct the patient to report any pain during the rotation. If the patient does report pain, then the External Rotation Test is positive and the patient should receive further treatment.