Which test is used to diagnose ankle syndesmotic injury?

• A. Squeeze test
• B. Anterior drawer test
• C. Tinel sign
• D. Thompson test

Answer: (B)

The key idea is assessing stability of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, the joint between tibia and fibula just above the ankle, which can be injured in high ankle sprains. The anterior drawer test for the ankle is performed with the leg stabilized and the talus pulled forward relative to the tibia. If there is excessive forward movement of the talus or noticeable pain, this indicates laxity of the syndesmotic ligaments (the anterior tibiofibular ligament and related structures), pointing to a syndesmotic injury.

This test is chosen because it directly probes the integrity of the ligaments that hold the distal ends of the tibia and fibula together, helping distinguish syndesmotic injury from isolated lateral ligament injuries. The other signs test different problems: the squeeze test stresses the syndesmosis by compressing the leg to provoke pain there, the Tinel sign checks nerve irritation, and the Thompson test detects an Achilles tendon rupture.