A 22-year-old man lands awkwardly after a jump, inverting his plantar-flexed foot. He has swelling and tenderness just anterior to the lateral malleolus. Which ligament is most likely torn?
- A Anterior talofibular ligament ✓
- B Calcaneofibular ligament
- C Posterior talofibular ligament
- D Deltoid ligament
Correct answer: A. Anterior talofibular ligament
Explanation
The anterior talofibular ligament is the weakest component of the lateral collateral complex and is the first to tear in the commonest ankle injury, inversion on a plantar-flexed foot. The calcaneofibular ligament may be involved in more severe grades, while the posterior talofibular ligament is very strong and rarely torn. The deltoid ligament is on the medial side and resists eversion.
Reference: Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.