Third Degree Ankle Sprain

Description of Injury

The third degree ankle sprain is a complete tear of the ligaments that support the ankle. It is the highest level of a sprain and causes extreme pain and severe joint instability and possible dislocation.

This picture shows where the extreme pain is located.



This is a common result of a third degree ankle sprain.

Skeletal Elements Involved

There are no skeletal elements involved with this sports injury. This injury strictly relates to ligaments.

Muscle Elements Involved

There are no muscle elements involved with the third degree ankle sprain. This injury strictly relates to ligaments.

Ligaments/Tendons/Other

The three ligaments involved in the tear include:

1) Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)

This is an x-ray of the anterior talofibular ligament tear.

2) Posterior Talofibular ligament (PTFL)

3) Calcaneo Fibular Ligament (CFL)

This picture clearly shows all three ligaments.

Cause of Injury

The injury is caused by inversion and eversion of the ankle. This can happen in a variety of scenarios including most sports, jumping and coming down on someone else's foot, any activity that could potentially cause an ankle roll.


Inversion of Ankle ----------------------------------------------- Eversion of Ankle

To see how this injury is caused first hand you can view the youtube video by going to this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eemisQszjw

Treatment

The first and foremost treatment of a third degree ankle sprain is RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) until proper medical care can be obtained. Medication such as Ibuprofen,Naproxen,Acetaminophen, orAspirin can be taken to help reduce inflammation, swelling, and overall pain of the injury. The next step for a severe ankle sprain is surgery in order to repair the ligament damage. The ankle would then be casted and the patient would begin weeks of physical therapy. The patient will perform numerous exercises to rehabilitate the ankle. Following the physical therapy, the patient will be given a brace to wear daily and eventually solely during physical activity.


This picture demonstrates RICE: The first treatment for third degree ankle sprains.



After surgery, a cast is then applied for the ankle sprain injury.



Finally, after the cast is removed an ankle brace is worn during and after physical therapy for additional support.

Famous Sports Figures Afflicted

Terrell Owens - Panthers football star

Sarah Trotti - Our star athlete!!


The moment Terrell Owen's third degree ankle sprain occurred.


Sarah's ankle looked identical to this!



Sarah Trotti deomonstrating how her ankle sprain took place.

Vocabulary

The vocabulary that needs to be defined for this sports injury include the following:

Ligaments - Strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other as well as cross joints.

Anterior Talofibular Ligament - A ligament of the ankle that connects the fibula (lateral ankle bone) to the talus. This ligament is oftentimes subject to sprain.

Posterior Talofibular Ligament - Arises from the nonarticular surface

Calcaneo Fibular Ligament -This ligament connects the fibula to the calcaneous.