Calcaneal Fibular Ligament Sprain: Ankle Sprain or Other Types of Sprain?

Injured structure: calcaneal fibular ligament sprain

When it comes to ankle injuries, it can be challenging to differentiate between the various types of sprains. One specific type of injury that can occur is a calcaneal fibular ligament sprain, which affects the calcaneofibular ligament. Let's explore the different types of ankle sprains to determine the correct classification for this specific injury.

a) Ankle Sprain

One common type of ankle sprain is known as an ankle sprain. This occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are stretched or torn due to excessive force or twisting of the ankle. An ankle sprain can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe based on the extent of ligament damage.

b) Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain

A syndesmotic ankle sprain, also known as a high ankle sprain, affects the ligaments above the ankle joint - the tibiofibular ligaments that form the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. This type of sprain is characterized by pain and instability above the ankle joint, which sets it apart from other ankle sprains.

c) Calcaneofibular Ligament Sprain

A calcaneofibular ligament sprain specifically targets the calcaneofibular ligament in the ankle. This type of sprain is the result of excessive inversion of the foot, causing damage to the ligaments on the lateral side of the ankle. Injuries to the calcaneofibular ligament are common in ankle sprains and can lead to pain, swelling, and instability in the ankle joint.

d) Achilles' Tendonitis

Achilles' tendonitis is a different type of injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition is characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness in the back of the heel and may be caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon.

Final answer:

A calcaneal fibular ligament sprain is a type of ankle sprain that affects the calcaneofibular ligament, hence option (c) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

The injured structure described, calcaneal fibular ligament sprain, is a type of ankle sprain. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are stretched or torn. In this case, the calcaneofibular ligament is specifically affected. A Calcaneofibular Ligament Sprain is an ankle sprain resulting from excessive inversion of the foot, damaging the ligaments on the ankle's lateral side. It differs from a high ankle sprain, which affects the tibiofibular ligaments above the ankle joint.

An injured calcaneal fibular ligament, as described in the question, indicates a Calcaneofibular Ligament Sprain. This type of injury is associated with ankle sprains, which typically occur following an excessive inversion of the foot, leading to damage to the ligaments on the lateral side of the ankle. The calcaneofibular ligament is commonly injured after the anterior talofibular ligament in such sprains. A high ankle sprain, or syndesmotic ankle sprain, involves the ligaments above the ankle joint - the tibiofibular ligaments that form the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Therefore, a high ankle sprain is a different kind of injury compared to a sprain of the calcaneofibular ligament.