Immediate Effects of Long-Axis Talocrural Thrust Manipulation on the Length of the Anterior Talofibular and Calcaneofibular Ligaments Measured With Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to measure the immediate effect of a thrust manipulation on the length of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments in healthy patients. METHODS: A convenience sample of 47 healthy patients were recruited for this quasi-experimental study. The patients had an age range from 22 to 54 years, with a mean age of 30.36 years. There were 23 female patients and 24 male patients. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging was used to measure the length of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments before and immediately after a high-velocity long-axis thrust manipulation of the talocrural joint during various validated test positions. RESULTS: A single long-axis thrust manipulation did not result in a significant change in the length of the anterior talofibular ligament (P = .325). Additionally, there was no significant difference in calcaneofibular length after a long-axis thrust manipulation (P = .26). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the length of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament did not significantly change after a single long-axis thrust manipulation of the talocrural joint in healthy patients. It appears that the joint capsule of the talocrural joint reached end-range during the manipulation before the ligament undergoes plastic length changes; thus, the increase in joint range of motion after a thrust manipulation was probably not due to increased plastic length changes of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments.

Stener-like lesion of the lateral collateral ligament of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Displaced ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, also known as Stener lesions, are a well-recognized clinical entity, requiring surgical intervention because of the trapped location of the torn lateral collateral ligament superficial to the adductor aponeurosis of the thumb. We report a similar lesion located at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, to our knowledge the first ever described in the literature. In our patient, magnetic resonance imaging showed a full-thickness tear of the lateral collateral ligament of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, as well as a full-thickness tear of the extensor hood, with dislocation of the proximal part of the ruptured lateral collateral ligament to a position superficial to the extensor hood. Analogous to true Stener lesions, we are convinced these patients also need early surgical repair. Therefore, we would like to raise awareness about their existence to ensure adequate management of these lesions, in order to prevent possible long-term complications like chronic pain, instability, and joint degeneration.