Foot and Ankle Trauma

A comprehensive physical examination is crucial for a thorough evaluation of foot and ankle trauma. This book chapter focuses on providing a comprehensive guide to the clinical examination and radiological evaluation of ankle and foot trauma, with the aim of facilitating accurate diagnosis and guiding effective management. The chapter outlines a systematic approach to examine the affected region, starting with general examination and progressing to specific tests and maneuvers. The initial step in evaluating foot and ankle trauma involves obtaining a detailed history from the patient with a special emphasis on targeted questions aimed at understanding the mechanism of injury, associated symptoms, and any pre-existing conditions that may impact the management approach. Topics covered include inspection, palpation, range of motion assessment, ligament and tendon stability testing, neurovascular evaluation, and specialized tests for different types of injuries. A detailed step-by-step description of specific provocation tests and their clinical relevance and interpretations will be discussed. The chapter continues with the radiologic evaluation section that focuses on the standard recommended imaging for foot and ankle trauma and the utility of advanced imaging like computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, interpretations of radiologic findings and relevant measurements for common injury patterns will be discussed.