Ankle Orthopaedic Test: Eversion Stress Test

The eversion stress test is a physical examination technique used to assess the stability of the ankle joint, particularly the deltoid ligament. Here are the steps to perform the eversion stress test:

1. Have the patient lie down on their back with their knee bent and their foot flat on the examination table.
2. Grasp the patient's heel with one hand and their foot with the other hand.
3. Stabilize the patient's leg with your forearm.
4. With your other hand, turn the patient's foot outward, or away from the midline of the body.
5. Observe the amount of outward movement of the ankle joint and feel for any excessive looseness or instability.
6. Compare the results to the unaffected ankle, if possible.

If there is excessive outward movement of the ankle joint, this may indicate a sprain or tear in the deltoid ligament. However, it is important to note that the eversion stress test should be used in conjunction with other examination techniques and diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose ankle injuries.

References:

1. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. (2013). Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: Evaluation and Management of High Ankle Sprains.
2. Konradsen, L., & Bech, L. (1998). Diagnostic accuracy of the clinical examination and the ankle joint laxity in chronic ankle instability. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 8(4), 237-243.
3. Martin, R. L., & Davenport, T. E. (2013). Ankle stability and movement coordination impairments: ankle ligament sprains. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 43(9), A1-A40.
4. Rungprai, C., & Phisitkul, P. (2018). Ankle syndesmosis injuries: anatomy, biomechanics, mechanism of injury, and clinical guidelines for diagnosis and intervention. Orthopedic Research and Reviews, 10, 71-79.
5. van Dijk, C. N., Lim, L. S., Bossuyt, P. M., & Marti, R. K. (1995). Physical examination is sufficient for the diagnosis of sprained ankles. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume, 77(6), 958-962.