Objective:

To use high frequency ultrasonography to measure the changes in anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) length in the neutral and anterior drawer stress positions and to discuss the value of stress ultrasonography in the diagnosis of chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Methods:

Eighty subjects (134 ankles) were divided into two groups: control subjects without ankle injury history (80 ankles) and subjects with CAI (54 ankles). The changes in ATFL length in the neutral and anterior drawer stress positions were measured from ultrasound images. The Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) was used to quantify self-reported functional activities of dail

y living and sports. The manual anterior drawer test was performed to assess the ankle laxity. The statistical significance of stress ultrasonography between the two groups was analyzed and the relationship between stress ultrasonography and manual anterior drawer test was evaluated.

Results:

The changes in ATFL length between bilateral ankles in the control group were not significantly different. There was significant difference in the changes in ATFL length between the two groups (

P

0.001). There was positive relationship between stress ultrasonography and manual anterior drawer test.

Conclusion:

Stress ultrasonography is positively correlated with manual anterior drawer test. It is valuable in the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of ankle laxity

and can be used as an objective and effective method in the diagnosis of mechanical CAI caused by old ankle sprain.