In plain language
Injury of the ligament complex joining tibia and fibula above the ankle, called a high ankle sprain.
Clinical Significance & Management
Swelling does not reliably indicate syndesmotic stability. Pain above the ankle, painful push-off or rotation warrants examination and sometimes imaging. Instability, separation and associated fractures guide surgical decisions.
Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
Pain above the ankle or with rotation and push-off
Etiology & Injury Mechanisms
- External rotation and dorsiflexion loading
Diagnostics & Imaging Guide
Examination and X-rays; further imaging if needed
Treatment Options
Protect and rehabilitate stable injuries; consider fixation for instability
Rehabilitation Milestones & Timeline
Rehabilitation depends on the diagnosis, procedure and associated injuries. Progression requires assessment of healing, symptoms and function; elapsed time or a single test cannot determine readiness for sport.
Progressive rehabilitation
Progress loading, running and jumping by stability and function
Evidence-Based Clarifications
Pain severity alone does not determine surgery.
Sources & References
Educational clinical definitions synthesized from AAOS, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and HSS. Individual diagnosis and surgery require professional medical evaluation.
Publication date
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