DPM Sports Medicine & Athletic Foot Injuries Flashcards

The Ottawa Ankle Rules help clinicians determine the need for which diagnostic study?

Answer: Radiographs

The Ottawa Ankle Rules are validated clinical decision rules to determine whether ankle or foot radiographs are necessary after an acute injury.

Which structure is most commonly disrupted in a high ankle (syndesmotic) sprain?

Answer: Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament

The anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) is the most commonly injured ligament in syndesmotic high ankle sprains.

Exertional compartment syndrome of the leg characteristically presents with pain that:

Answer: Begins during activity and resolves quickly after stopping

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome causes reproducible leg pain during activity that typically resolves within 15–30 minutes of stopping exercise.

Which sesamoid bone is most commonly fractured in athletes?

Answer: Medial (tibial) sesamoid

The medial (tibial) sesamoid is fractured more often than the lateral due to its greater weight-bearing role under the first metatarsal head.

What is the preferred initial management for a first-time mild lateral ankle sprain?

Answer: PRICE protocol and early functional rehabilitation

Grade I and II ankle sprains are best managed with PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and early functional rehabilitation to restore proprioception.

Which imaging modality is best for evaluating a suspected stress fracture not visible on plain radiograph?

Answer: MRI

MRI is the gold standard for detecting stress fractures early, showing bone marrow edema before cortical changes appear on plain X-rays.