Ankle & Foot
Ligamentous Instability (Sprains)
Evidence: confirmed
Deltoid Ligament Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Assessing the medial ligaments (Deltoid ligament) of the ankle.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient sits with the leg hanging over the table. Stabilize the lower leg with one hand.
- Anterior Fibers: Grasp the top of the foot; combine Eversion and Plantarflexion.
- Middle Fibers: Grasp the heel; perform pure Eversion.
- Posterior Fibers: Grasp the heel; combine Eversion and Dorsiflexion.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain or excessive movement (hypermobility) in the ligament area.
- Note: A "mushy" or muscle spasm end-feel may indicate injury.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Deltoid Ligament Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Ankle & Foot region, combining the Deltoid Ligament Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment (7th ed.). Elsevier.
