| Anterior talofibular ligament | |
|---|---|
| Lateral view of the human ankle (anterior talofibular ligament labeled at center right) | |
| Details | |
| From | Talus bone |
| To | Fibula (lateral malleolus) |
What does ATFL stand for in medical terms?
Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (ATFL)
What does ATFL tear mean?
Partial tears occur when the main ligament on the outside of the ankle (ATFL-anterior talofibular ligament), stretches beyond its elastic limits and partially tears. Patients will have slightly more swelling and pain when they begin to weightbear.
What is ATFL surgery?
Foot and ankle ligament repair is a procedure typically done to treat serious sprains or instability in the ankle. The ligaments in your foot and ankle consist of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL).
Where is your ATFL?
ankle
The ATFL is a ligament that is part of the ankle capsule (intra-capsular) (fig 1). The ligament is approximately 2mm thick, 7mm wide, and 25mm long. It arises from the anterior tip of the lateral malleolus and travels antero-medially, to insert on the lateral side of the talar neck.
What does ligament thickening mean?
If the injury to your ligament(s) is severe enough, it may cause spinal instability. Instability may be defined as when the bones and ligaments comprising your intervertebral joints (also known as the vertebral segments) can no longer maintain a normal alignment when they have to bear the load.
How is ATFL diagnosed?
The test is performed on both sides and the two sides are compared. Excessive anterior translation of the talus on the injured side in comparison to the uninjured side indicates a positive test. A translation of more than 4-5 mm on the injured would indicate a tear of ATFL.
Can you walk on a torn ATFL?
Grade II sprains involve a partial tear of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and a full tear of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). This degree of sprain limits the ability to walk, creates instability and causes local bruising and swelling.
Can an ATFL heal on its own?
Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately. A three-phase program guides treatment for all ankle sprains—from mild to severe: Phase 1 includes resting, protecting the ankle and reducing the swelling.
Does ATFL tear require surgery?
Surgery : Surgery is most likely needed to resolve your problem. Meniscus tears simply do not heal on their own, regardless of conservative treatment (including prolotherapy). It is possible that your symptoms of pain, etc will improve with time without surgery…But that doesn’t mean the tear healed.
What is the ATFL ligament?
The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) are sequentially the most commonly injured ligaments when a plantar-flexed foot is forcefully inverted. The posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) is rarely injured, except in association with a complete dislocation of the talus.
What is ATF ligament?
ATF ligament. I am assuming the ATF is the anterior talofibular ligament. It is the most common ligament to tear with an inversion foot injury. If you could bear weight on the foot after the injury and don’t have bone pain to touch at the outer ankle or outer side of that foot. It will probably heal ok on its own.
