Which named test is used to assess syndesmosis injury during external rotation?

• A. Kleiger Test
• B. Navicular Drop Test
• C. Anterior Drawer
• D. Thompson Test

Answer: (A)

External rotation of the foot while the leg is stabilized stresses the distal tibiofibular joint, making the test ideal for identifying syndesmotic injuries. In this maneuver, the foot is moved into external rotation (often with the ankle dorsiflexed) to load the syndesmotic ligaments, especially the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and the interosseous membrane. A positive sign—pain around the distal tibiofibular area or a sense of instability—suggests a syndesmotic injury or high ankle sprain.

Other tests target different structures. The navicular drop test assesses arch height rather than ligament stability. The anterior drawer test mainly evaluates laxity of the ATFL (lateral ligaments). The Thompson test checks for an Achilles tendon rupture.