ANKLE LIGAMENT STRAIN DURING SUPINATION SPRAIN INJURY – A COMPUTATIONAL BIOMECHANICS STUDY

Abstract

This study presents ankle ligament strain data during a grade I mild anterior talofibular ligamentous sprain. Kinematics data obtained during the injury and a 3BW were imported to a validated dynamic foot model. Four simulations were done: (1) inversion, (2) inversion plus plantarflexion, (3) inversion plus internal rotation, and (4) inversion, plantarflexion and internal rotation. Results showed that in situation (1), the calcaneofibular ligament was strained the most (12%), followed by the anterior talofibular ligament (10%). In situations (2) and (3), both ligaments were strained to about 14-16%. In situation (4), the anterior talofibular ligament was strained to 20%. This study suggested that plantarflexion and internal rotation, together with inversion, may have greatly strained and torn the anterior talofibular ligament during the reported injury event.