Evaluation of the uninjured anterior talofibular ligament by ultrasound for assessing generalized joint hypermobility. Issue 3 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Song, Jae Hwang; Kang, Chan; Kim, Nam Shin; Yi, Jin Woong; Lee, Gi Soo; Jang, Min Gu; Kim, Tae Hyeong
• Is Part Of: Foot and ankle surgery. Volume 27:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 256
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Generalized joint hypermobility -- Beighton score -- Anterior talofibular ligament -- Stress ultrasound; Foot -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- surgery -- Periodicals; Foot -- surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- Surgery; Foot -- Surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.58
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2020.10.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1268-7731

Abstract

Highlights: ATFL stress ultrasound values were sigificantly different between GJH and non-GJH. ATFL stress ultrasound parameters correlated with Beighton scores. Resting ATFL height (degree of loosening) showed the strongest relationship with the Beighton score. Abstract: Background: Most clinicians use the Beighton score to assess generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) when deciding on the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The purpose of the study was to evaluate anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) status by ultrasound and correlate these values with Beighton scores and the manual anterior drawer test (ADT). Methods: The participants were divided into two groups, those without GJH (24 ankles) and with GJH (20 ankles). For the investigation of ATFL, resting and stress ultrasonography was performed to assess the length, height (degree of loosening) and thickness. Beighton scores, manual ADT grades and ultrasound parameters of participants with and without GJH were compared. The correlation coefficients among those values were analyzed. Results: The mean ATFL length, resting height, stress height and mean difference in height between resting and stress ATFL were all significantly different between the two groups ( P < .05). The resting and stress ATFL length, height, and difference in height between resting and stress ATFL showed a positive linear relationship with Beighton scores and manual ADT grades ( P < .05). Conclusions: The ATFL stress ultrasound parameters showed significant differences between participants with high and low Beighton scores and were correlated with Beighton scores and manual ADT grades. Level of Evidence: Cross-sectional cohort study; Level of evidence IV.