Ultrasound tutorial – Anterior Talofibular Ligament Ultrasound
Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) ultrasound – Technique and Findings
Positioning
- Lateral decubitus
Ultrasound probe for the ATFL
- Hockey stick probe
- Easiest to position
- Good resolution
- High frequency linear probe
- Larger field of view
- Sometimes difficult to position optimally
Normal Appearance
- Consistent thickness
- Fascicular architecture
Pathology
- Sprain
- Hypoechoic
- Thickened
- Loss of fascicular architecture
- Tear
- Partial/full thickness
- Fluid (anechoic) extends into the tear
- Partial/full thickness