Inversion ankle sprain is most commonly associated with which ligament being injured?

Inversion ankle sprain is most commonly associated with which ligament being injured?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Anterior talofibular (ATF) ligament
• C. Posterior talofibular ligament
• D. Calcaneofibular ligament

Answer: (B)

Inversion ankle sprains primarily affect the lateral ligaments, with the anterior talofibular ligament being the most commonly injured. When the foot inverts, especially if it’s also in plantarflexion, this ligament is placed under the greatest stress as it runs from the front of the distal fibula to the talus, acting as the main restraint to anterior motion of the talus and to inversion in that position. Because of its position and function, it bears the brunt of the force early in the injury. If the injury is more severe, the calcaneofibular ligament can also be torn, which explains why higher-grade sprains may involve both ATFL and CFL. The posterior talofibular ligament is stronger and less likely to be injured in a typical inversion sprain, and injuries to the deltoid ligament occur with eversion injuries rather than inversion. So the best answer reflects the common mechanism: inversion injuries most often involve the anterior talofibular ligament.

Inversion ankle sprains primarily affect the lateral ligaments, with the anterior talofibular ligament being the most commonly injured. When the foot inverts, especially if it’s also in plantarflexion, this ligament is placed under the greatest stress as it runs from the front of the distal fibula to the talus, acting as the main restraint to anterior motion of the talus and to inversion in that position. Because of its position and function, it bears the brunt of the force early in the injury.

If the injury is more severe, the calcaneofibular ligament can also be torn, which explains why higher-grade sprains may involve both ATFL and CFL. The posterior talofibular ligament is stronger and less likely to be injured in a typical inversion sprain, and injuries to the deltoid ligament occur with eversion injuries rather than inversion.

So the best answer reflects the common mechanism: inversion injuries most often involve the anterior talofibular ligament.