...Introduction The patient, a 20-year-old female ballet dancer, presented with pain in the lateral ankle, particularly in the anterior lateral malleolus and on the calcaneus, and swelling. Patient was examined immediately after the injury occurred. Upon examination, there were positive tests for both the talar tilt test and the anterior drawer test; greater than 10˚ and 8mm respectively compared to the uninjured ankle. Weight bearing on the injured limb was not possible for more than two steps; the patient experience great pain and described the sensation of her ankle “buckling.” A history was taken; the patient described rolling her ankle after landing on a colleague’s foot, and stated that she has had a lateral ankle sprain (Grade I) in the past. Patient was referred for radiographic (x-ray) imaging to rule out fractures and other ankle injuries. Patient was finally diagnosed with a Grade III ATF & CF ankle sprain. After radiographic and arthroscopic imaging was completed, it was determined that the rupture had occurred at the attachment point on the fibula for both ligaments9; an avulsion fracture was not found. Initial treatment performed on the patient consisted of the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) method. Patient was wrapped with the foot in as much of a dorsiflexed position as could be tolerated, with u-shaped foam orthotics around both malleoli to help with compression and stability. Patient was informed of her options regarding surgical...
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