Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What type of ankle sprain is characterized by damage to the ATF ligament?

1. Eversion sprain

2. Inversion sprain

3. High ankle sprain

4. Medial ankle sprain

The correct answer is: Inversion sprain

The characterization of an ankle sprain that involves damage to the anterior talofibular (ATF) ligament is specifically related to an inversion sprain. Inversion sprains occur when the foot rolls inward, placing stress on the lateral ligaments of the ankle, including the ATF. The ATF ligament is one of the primary stabilizers of the ankle and is particularly susceptible to injury during inversion movements. This type of injury is common in activities that involve twisting motions or uneven surfaces, leading to the foot rolling inward and resulting in pain and swelling on the lateral aspect of the ankle. Understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of the ankle helps clarify why this type of sprain would involve the ATF ligament specifically. In contrast, other types of ankle sprains involve different ligaments and mechanisms. Eversion sprains typically affect the medial structures of the ankle and do not involve the ATF. High ankle sprains primarily affect the syndesmotic ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula and are less likely to impact the ATF. Medial ankle sprains are associated with injuries to the deltoid ligament, which supports the medial aspect of the ankle. Thus, an inversion sprain is the only type that directly correlates with damage to