Early radiographic outcomes following deltoid ligament repair in bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures

BackgroundIndications for deltoid ligament repair in bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures are unclear. This study compared radiographic outcomes in bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) +/? deltoid ligament repair.MethodsA retrospective review of 1024 ankle fractures was performed. Bimalleolar equivalent injuries treated with ORIF +/? deltoid ligament repair were included. Radiographic assessment was performed preoperatively, and at three months postoperatively.ResultsOne hundred and forty-seven ankle fractures met inclusion criteria with 46 undergoing deltoid ligament repairs. There was a significant decrease in medial clear space (1.93 ± 0.65 mm vs. 2.26 ± 0.64 mm, p = 0.01), and tibiofibular clear space (3.89 ± 1.20 mm vs. 4.87 ± 1.37 mm, p = 0.0001) at 3 months postoperative in the deltoid repair group compared to the no repair group. When syndesmotic fixation was performed, there were no differences between groups.ConclusionDeltoid ligament repair in bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures resulted in reduced medial clear space, and tibiofibular clear space in the early postoperative period. These differences were small and remained within established normal limits.Level of clinical evidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study.     

踝关节骨折合并三角韧带完全断裂的手术治疗

目的 探讨踝关节骨折合并三角韧带完全断裂的手术治疗方法和临床疗效. 方法 对2006年1月至2010年12月收治的48例踝关节骨折合并三角韧带完全断裂患者的病例资料进行回顾性研究,男26例,女22例;年龄17～74岁,平均44.2岁.损伤按照Lauge-Hansen分类:旋后外旋型Ⅳ度损伤14例;旋前外旋型Ⅲ度损伤12例,Ⅳ度损伤16例;旋前外展型Ⅲ度损伤5例.骨折按照AO/OTA分型:43-B2型1例,44-B2型3例,44-B3型16例,44-C1型7例,44-C2型8例,44-C3型13例.所有患者在骨折复位固定的同时修复三角韧带.术后通过临床检查、影像学评估、美国足踝外科学会(AOFAS)踝-后足评分和视觉模拟评分(VAS)对临床结果进行评估. 结果 所有患者伤口均获一期愈合.43例患者术后获12 ～ 32个月(平均19个月)随访,骨折愈合时间为10～16周(平均13.2周).末次随访时AOFAS踝-后足评分为83～100分(平均93.4分),VAS评分为0～6分(平均1.2分),无踝关节不稳定表现. 结论 对踝关节骨折合并三角韧带完全断裂的患者,需要合理的临床评估后再选择治疗方案,根据断裂的部位选择适当的手术缝合方法,可以取得较满意的效果.     

外踝骨折合并内侧副韧带损伤的治疗

目的观察外踝骨折合并内侧副韧带损伤时不修复损伤的韧带是否会损害患者的本体感觉,并探讨修复韧带辅助以综合运动康复是否有助于患者的功能恢复。方法回顾性分析自2009-06—2013-08诊治的37例外踝骨折合并内侧副韧带损伤但未修复韧带(A组)和94例旋后-外旋型踝部骨折(B组)患者的临床资料,并分析自2013-09—2015-07诊治的9例外踝骨折合并内侧副韧带损伤修复损伤韧带(C组)和32例旋后-外旋型踝部骨折(D组)患者的临床资料。采用星形偏移平衡试验(SEBT)和Cumberland踝部不稳定评分(CAIT)评估患者的功能恢复结局。结果所有骨折愈合良好,A组的SEBT和CAIT均低于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。C组的SEBT和CAIT和D组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论外踝骨折合并内侧副韧带损伤时不修复损伤韧带容易导致本体感觉不平衡和功能性踝关节不稳,修复损伤韧带并辅以综合运动康复可有效地降低这些并发症的发生率。     

Predicting factors for better outcomes of stable supination external rotation type 2 ankle fractures

PurposeStable Weber B ankle fractures are treated by a walking boot for 6 weeks and bearing full weight through the boot as tolerated. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome parameters of this treatment protocol, evaluate the efficacy of using the walking boot, and investigate any possible predicting factors that could affect the outcomes.MethodsAll the patients with stable Weber B ankle fractures, treated in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2018, were prospectively included to the study. The patients were evaluated clinically, and the patient-reported outcome measures data were collected at the 2 and 6 weeks post-injury. Chi square, Spearman's rho test, independent samples and paired sample t-tests were used for the monovariant analysis.ResultsA total of 128 consecutive patients (aged 52.2 ± 19.1 years) with supination external rotation type 2 fracture were finally included to the study. At the 2 weeks follow-up, the reported outcome measures scores were in moderate levels, but improved significantly at the 6 weeks follow-up (p < 0.0001). Multivariant analysis revealed that the ability to bear full weight without the boot at the 2 weeks after diagnosis was the only variable, which made statistically unique contribution to the foot and ankle disability index score at the 6 weeks (p = 0.005).ConclusionConservative treatment using a walking boot with advice to bear full weight of stable ankle Weber B fractures can bring to good functional outcomes. The ability to bear full weight without the aid of the walking boot at 2 weeks after diagnosis was the only significant predicting factor for better outcomes at 6 weeks after diagnosis.     

三角韧带深层损伤是否影响旋前外旋型踝关节骨折的中期临床疗效

目的了解三角韧带深层损伤对PER型踝关节骨折中期临床疗效的影响。方法回顾性研究2013年1月至2014年12月北京积水潭医院创伤骨科手术治疗的50例PERⅢ度或Ⅳ度骨折患者。其中男37例,女13例;年龄16~68岁,平均30.2岁。根据踝关节内侧损伤类型分为两组:未修复组为内踝三角韧带深层损伤且无内踝骨折患者,未行三角韧带修复手术,共28例;对照组为内踝丘上骨折且三角韧带深层完整患者,行内踝丘上骨折切开复位内固定,共22例。两组患者均行腓骨骨折切开复位内固定和下胫腓螺钉固定。比较两组患者术后6个月以上影像学检查的内踝间隙和下胫腓间隙,以及中期随访的美国足踝外科协会的(AOFAS)的踝-后足评分和疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)。结果两组患者的性别、年龄、出现踝关节半脱位或脱位时的表现方式差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者在损伤暴力程度、腓骨骨折线高度、是否完全脱位、后踝骨折率、后踝固定率、内固定物取出率、手术时间等差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。38例完成术后6个月影像学检查,21例未修复组的内踝间隙为3.7 mm,下胫腓间隙为4.5 mm;17例对照组的内踝间隙为3.4 mm;下胫腓间隙为4.4 mm。术后约3年时随访,未修复组和对照组的平均AOFAS评分分别为98.3分和94.6分,平均VAS评分分别为0.4分和1.5分。术后约5年时随访,未修复组和对照组的平均AOFAS评分分别为97.1分和93.6分,平均VAS评分分别为0.5分和1.2分。对于年龄<45岁的患者,术后约3、5年时随访的AOFAS评分、VAS评分与三角韧带完整与否均无相关性(P>0.05)。年龄与术后5年随访时AOFAS评分(P=0.021)相关。结论对于PER型Ⅲ、Ⅳ度踝关节骨折,在腓骨骨折及下胫腓螺钉固定后,残留三角韧带深层损伤不会影响45岁以内患者的中期疗效。     

三角韧带与下胫腓联合韧带对踝关节稳定的生物力学影响

目的探讨三角韧带与下胫腓联合对踝关节稳定性的生物力学影响。方法采用6例新鲜踝关节标本,常规制成骨-韧带模型(标本可重复利用)。分为:A组:踝关节各韧带均完整;B组:三角韧带离断,下胫腓联合完整;C组:下胫腓联合离断,三角韧带完整;D组:下胫腓联合及三角韧带均离断;E组:锚钉修复三角韧带、螺钉固定下胫腓联合韧带组。对标本施加600 N轴向加载。分别测量三种体位(中立位、背伸10°位、跖屈20°位)在各种状态下胫距关节的接触面积、接触压力、压应力分布等变化。对比分析三角韧带及下胫腓联合韧带修复前后对踝关节稳定的作用。结果在三种体位下均可发现,随着下胫腓联合及三角韧带的离断,胫距关节接触面积逐渐减小,接触压力逐渐增大,与正常A组对比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),压应力分布逐渐集中并有向外侧移位趋势;三角韧带与下胫腓联合修复前后的胫距关节的接触面积、接触压力等差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);修复后的胫距关节接触面积增大、接触压力减少,与正常组A组对比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),压应力分布分散。结论三角韧带与下胫腓联合断裂后,距骨发生移位,胫距关节面接触面积、接触压力及压应力分布发生剧烈变化。目前骨锚钉修复三角韧带、螺钉固定下胫腓联合能获得即刻稳定,且其生物力学强度与正常组相似,推荐对三角韧带伴下胫腓联合损伤者行手术治疗以恢复其正常解剖关系。     

三角韧带损伤在旋后一外旋型踝关节骨折治疗中的意义

背景：旋后-外旋型踝关节骨折临床常见,三角韧带是否损伤是判定损伤严重程度与影响预后的重要因素。同时三角韧带是否修补与如何修补一直是大家争论的问题。目的：探讨三角韧带的解剖与组织特性,探讨损伤之后的诊断与治疗方法。方法：新鲜尸体标本10具,将内踝与距骨内侧结节之间的软组织由浅至深逐层解剖,胫后肌腱深层部分送检,HE染色后显微镜观察。记录2007年1月至2008年12月,旋后-外旋踝关节损伤患者40例的临床资料。结果：位于胫后肌腱深层的软组织,无论大体解剖还是显微结构,均分为两层、表面是胫后肌腱腱鞘鞘膜,深层是位于内踝后丘与距骨结节之间的三角韧带,宽10．8±1．5mm,长10．4±1．9mm,厚6．4±0．5mm。40例患者没有内侧切开处理三角韧带,随访终点结果良好。结论：三角韧带损伤临床常见,建议必要的辅助检查,分清内踝前丘、后丘与三角韧带的损伤情况。选择合适的手术方式,恢复踝关节的稳定性与关节面平整。     

Ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in assessing deltoid ligament injury in supination external rotation fractures of the ankle

The medial deltoid ligament is the primary stabilizing structure in the ankle joint following lateral malleolar fracture. However, medial deltoid ligament ruptures are difficult to diagnose using current imaging modalities. We hypothesized that ultrasonography can be used to accurately allow early clinical assessment of ankle fracture stability, thereby negating the need to perform plain film stress views of the acutely injured ankle. This prospective study included 12 patients (age range, 18-72) with supination external rotation fractures requiring operative fixation. Following induction of anesthesia, ultrasonography examination was performed, followed by an arthrogram under fluoroscopic screening. Radiographs, ultrasonography, and arthrographic findings were compared. There was 100% correlation between ultrasonography and arthrogram findings. Ultrasonography accurately diagnosed medial deltoid rupture with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%. Plain film radiographs of the ankle had a sensitivity of 57.1% and a specificity of 60%. The difference between these was significant (χ(2)=.0091). This study demonstrates diagnostic ultrasonography to be an accurate diagnostic modality in assessing medial deltoid ligament integrity in patients with supination external rotation fractures. It offers the same sensitivity and specificity as arthrography without the need for additional invasive procedures. Its relative ease of use and lack of ionizing radiation make it a potentially useful tool, particularly in a busy trauma service.     

Length change pattern of the ankle deltoid ligament during physiological ankle motion

BackgroundLength change pattern of the ankle deltoid ligament during physiological ankle motion is still confused currently and had not been studied in vivo.MethodsThe deltoid ligaments from 7 cadaveric specimens were dissected. Lengths of each band during 30° plantarflexion to 20° dorsiflexion were measured. A dual fluoroscopy imaging system was utilized to capture the images of hindfoot joint of 7 healthy subjects during the stance phase of walking. 3D bone models were reconstructed from CT images. Lengths of each band were calculated after model-image registration utilizing a solid modeling software. Percentage of length variation and poses when the bands were in maximum extension were documented among each band.ResultsThe anterior border of tibiocalcaneal ligament (TCL) had only 1.7% length variation in vitro and 5.7% length variation in vivo. The tibionavicular ligament, tibiospring ligament, and deep anterior tibiotalar ligament were in maximum extension at 30° plantarflexion, however, superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament, deep posterior tibiotalar ligament, and the posterior border of TCL were in maximum extension at 20° dorsiflexion. The tibionavicular ligament, tibiospring ligament, and deep anterior tibiotalar ligament were in maximum extension during foot flat. The TCL was in maximum extension during midstance. The superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament and deep posterior tibiotalar ligament were in maximum extension during heel off and toe off.ConclusionThe length of TCL did not change during ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The bands anterior to and posterior to the TCL showed different length change pattern during physiological ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.     

Early and mid-term results of transarticular external fixation in the treatment of supination-external rotation type IV equivalent ankle fractures

Purpose

To investigate the early and mid-term results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with transarticular external fixation (TEF) but no deltoid ligament repair (DLR) in the treatment of supination-external rotation type IV equivalent (SER IV E) ankle fractures (AO/OTA classification 44-B 3.1) and provide evidence for clinical practice.

旋后-外旋型踝关节骨折中三角韧带断裂的诊断与治疗

旋后-外旋型或Weber B型踝关节骨折存在稳定型和不稳定型骨折。不稳定性骨折通常在腓骨骨折的同时存在内踝的骨折或三角韧带的撕裂。现在的共识是对于不稳定型的踝关节骨折,采取切开复位内固定的方式能达到较好的临床疗效。对于内侧韧带撕裂的诊断有很多研究,但对于评估内侧韧带撕裂的最合适方法仍未达成共识。由于外旋引起的三角韧带断裂的患者数量要远比过去想象中的多。在Lauge-Hansen分型中,根据损伤的机制可以提供可能的韧带损伤的信息。通过X线的表现,运用Lauge-Hansen分型系统在评估三角韧带是否损伤具有重要的价值,但其敏感性和特异性有待考究。体格检查、应力位X线片、MRI、关节镜、B超现在已用于踝关节骨折中内侧副韧带的完整的评估,但是这些方法没有一种是便宜、简便、可靠的。现在临床医师习惯使用重力应力试验进行评估,对于可疑的病例,行关节镜探查是非常有价值的。最新的观点认为单纯腓骨骨折,可仅行腓骨骨折切开复位内固定术,对合并外踝骨折的三角韧带撕裂进行修复是没有意义的,也没有证据证明暴露并修复三角韧带对内踝结构有影响。     

High incidence of spring ligament laxity in ankle fractures with complete deltoid ruptures and secondary first ray instability

AimsTo assess the incidence of spring ligament failure in patients who have complete deltoid ruptures.Patients and methodsThe authors retrospectively analysed ankle fractures in our trauma database from January 2015 to January 2019. 61 patients who sustained ankle fractures with complete deltoid ligament ruptures based on an AP ankle radiographs with increased medial joint space were identified. 25 patients attended clinic for assessment. Of these, 5 were found to have gross planovalgus with pre-existing spring ligament laxity in the uninjured control foot and these were excluded from the analysis. 20 patients were assessed for spring ligament failure /laxity. For each patient, the uninjured foot was used as the control.ResultsThe TMT instability score and the lateral translation score showed statistically significant increases in the injured compared to the uninjured foot. The ratio of increase in both TMT instability and lateral translation scores (strain) in the injured versus the uninjured foot was assessed. A strong correlation (+0.62 pearson correlation coefficient) was found between the two ratios.ConclusionAll 20 patients showed increased spring ligament laxity and 19 patients showed increased TMT instability. Our results show that with complete deltoid rupture, there is likely greater disruption of the medial ligamentous structures of the foot than previously recognised. The degree of increase in the spring ligament strain also correlates with the degree of strain at the plantar TMT joint ligaments, and thus first ray instability. This finding has significant implications for the long-term assessment and management of ankle fractures involving complete deltoid disruption. Early intervention with orthotics in this cohort may prevent progressive destabilisation of the midfoot and the first ray. This evolving understanding may lead to the prospect of earlier surgical intervention to reconstitute the integrity of the spring ligament and protect the foot progressing to stage 2 AAFD.     

The effect of partial deltoid ligament injuries on the external rotation stability: A cadaveric study

BackgroundThe anterior and posterior part of the deltoid ligament have different functions during ankle flexion motion. Partial ligament injuries have been demonstrated in previous clinical reports. However, the efficacy of external rotation stress test in partial injured cases is unavailable till now.MethodsThirty-two fresh cadaveric specimens were included and allocated into two destabilization groups. In the first group, the anterior portion of deltoid ligament (DL) and syndesmotic ligament were sequentially severed, while in the second group, the posterior portion of DL and syndesmotic ligament were sequentially severed. Mortise view radiographs were taken after each destabilization stage when the ankles were placed at plantarflexion and dorsiflexion positions and stressed in standard external rotation force. The medial clear space (MCS) and talar tilt (TT) angle were measured and compared among different destabilization stages.ResultsWhen the ankles were placed at neutral position, the TT significantly increased in all destabilization stages. The MCS significantly increased after the partial deltoid ligament ruptures only with presence of syndesmotic ligament injuries. There was no significant difference of MCS at plantarflexion for all stages of destabilization if the anterior portion of DL is preserved. Similarly, no significant increase of MCS was detected at dorsiflexion if the posterior portion of DL and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament are intact.ConclusionPartial DL rupture causes ankle rotational instability at different ankle joint positions, especially when combined with syndesmotic injuries. The neutral position is recommended for diagnosis of partial DL ruptures under external rotation stress.     

踝部骨折伴三角韧带损伤的手术治疗

[目的]比较不同手术方式对踝部骨折伴三角韧带损伤的治疗效果.[方法]回顾性分析2018年1月～2019年6月接受手术治疗的合并下胫腓分离和三角韧带损伤的踝关节骨折患者82例,依据术前医患沟通结果,将患者分两组.其中,41例开放复位骨折内固定同时行三角韧带修复(修复组),另外41例仅行开放复位骨折内固定,未修复三角韧带(...     

The contribution of anterior deltoid ligament to ankle stability in isolated lateral malleolar fractures

The treatment of isolated lateral malleolar fractures with deltoid ligament rupture remains controversial. We prospectively analysed 35 patients with isolated lateral malleolar fractures during 2006–2013. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to assess the degree of reduction, ligament damage, and stability. Internal fixation was performed for all unstable valgus fractures with unacceptable fracture parameters. Fractures with residual valgus instability after fixation underwent anterior deltoid repair. The mean anterior deltoid ligament grade based on MRI was significantly different between the high-grade unstable group and the stable and low-grade unstable groups (p = 0.037 and 0.004, respectively). Postoperative medial clear space measurements were not significantly different between groups. MRI was shown to be a useful tool in the preoperative identification of isolated lateral malleolus fractures prone to valgus instability. In the case of high-grade unstable fractures of the lateral malleolus, repair of the anterior deltoid ligament is adequate for restoring medial stability.     

Long-term outcome after 1822 operatively treated ankle fractures: A systematic review of the literature

The aim of this literature review is to systematically gather the highest level of available evidence on the long-term outcome after operatively treated ankle fractures in the English, German and Dutch literature. A search term with Boolean operators was constructed. The search was limited to humans and adults and the major databases were searched from 1966 to 2008 to identify studies relating to functional outcome, subjective outcome and radiographic evaluation at least 4 years after an operatively treated ankle fracture. Of the 42 initially relevant papers, 18 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 1822 fractures were identified. The mean sample-size weighted follow-up was 5.1 years. The initial number of patients that were included in the studies was 2724, which results in a long-term follow-up success rate of 66.9%. Regarding the fracture reduction we found 4 papers reporting on 106 fractures. Of the fractures that were classified according to Danis-Weber, 736 were eligible for correlation with the long-term outcome. In 442 fractures a comparison was possible between supination-external rotation stage 2 and 4 of the Lauge-Hansen classification. Only one study reported on the influence of initial cartilage lesions on the outcome. Regarding the involvement of the posterior malleolus, two studies reported on the long-term outcome. None of the studies addressed the influence of hindfoot varus or valgus on the long-term outcome after ankle fracture. Only 79.3% of the optimally reduced fractures show good to excellent long-term outcome. The Weber A type fractures do not show a better long-term outcome than Weber B type fractures. Recommendations for future research were formulated.     

The use of foot pumps compression devices in the perioperative management of ankle fractures: Systematic review of the current literature

BackgroundAnkle fractures account for 9% of all fractures seen in the United Kingdom. 15,000 of these fractures undergo operative fixation each year. Soft tissue swelling impacts on timing of fixation due to fears of infection and wound dehiscence. The use of arterio-venous foot pumps (AVFP) is increasing in this population although the evidence for their efficacy is unclear. In order to address this, we present an overview of the evidence for AVFP device use following ankle fracture.MethodsIn September 2015 an electronic literature search was undertaken of studies comparing two or more methods of swelling reduction in patients with ankle fractures. Of 326 screened, 5 papers ultimately were included.ResultsTwo studies reported a statistically significant reduction in swelling (p = 0.03) and (p = 0.03 at 24 hours, p = 0.05 at 48 hours) after using AVFP devices compared to the controls (leg elevation +/ ice therapy). Stockle et al. reported a greater reduction in the preoperative ankle, midfoot and forefoot circumference at 24 hours in their AVFP group (53% versus 32% and 10% in their continuous cryotherapy and cool pack cryotherapy groups respectively). Whereas, Rohner-Spengler et al. observed improved preoperative swelling reduction in patients treated with a multilayer compression bandage when compared to their AVFP group. Keehan et al. reported that time to surgery was considerably reduced in patients treated with an AVFP device, (2.3 days) compared to those treated with leg elevation (4.6 days) (p = 0.02). Length of stay (LOS) was not influenced by any of the tested interventions.ConclusionsAVFP devices have been shown to reduce time to surgery and degree of swelling before operative intervention better than other methods but the strength of evidence to support this remains poor.     

踝关节三角韧带损伤的诊断和治疗进展

踝关节三角韧带损伤的发病机制已经比较明确且分歧较少,但关于其诊断与治疗尚没有统一的标准。应力下X线片能否作为主要的诊断的依据、核磁检查是否早期应用、以及手术探查的指征等,这些都是目前诊断踝关节三角韧带损伤的难题;治疗上存在保守治疗和手术治疗两大分歧,且在手术治疗方式的选择方面国内外专家各有侧重,近年来国内学者偏重于带线锚钉修复,而国外则一直以重建三角韧带为主。     

三角韧带损伤的手术治疗

[目的]探讨踝关节三角韧带损伤的手术治疗及效果。[方法]2002年4月-2005年4月治疗伴有三角韧带损伤的踝关节骨折40例，均采用切开复位和坚强内固定，并修复重建三角韧带，恢复踝关节内外侧结构的稳定性。下胫腓联合分离仍不稳定者，给予皮质骨螺钉横向内固定。[结果]全部病例得到16个月-3a随访，平均1．5a。按齐氏疗效评定标准：优良30例，可8例，差2例，优良率75％。[结论]强调踝关节骨折切开解剖复位，坚强内固定的同时，应充分重视修复重建三角韧带。     

Diagnostic tools to evaluate ankle instability caused by a deltoid ligament rupture in patients with supination-external rotation ankle fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimSupination-external rotation (SER) ankle fractures account for the majority of ankle fractures and can be divided into stable or unstable fractures, based on the state of the deltoid ligament. The objective of this review was to appraise the available literature concerning diagnostic tools to evaluate deltoid ligament integrity in patients with SER-type ankle fractures.MethodsA comprehensive literature search of Pubmed and Embase was performed up to December 2020. The outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of the diagnostic tools. A meta-analysis was performed to obtain an overview of sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC). The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.ResultsA total of 12 studies investigating tools for deltoid ligament rupture in patients with SER-type ankle fractures were included. The present study found sensitivity (and specificity) ranges of 0.20-0.90 (and 0.38-0.97) for clinical features, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 0.57-0.85 (and 0.81-1.00), ultrasonography 1.00 (and 0.89-1.00), Malleolar Medial Fleck Sign (MMFS) 0.25 (and 0.99), conventional ankle mortise radiography 0.33-0.57 (and 0.60-0.94), gravity stress radiography 0.71-1.00 (and 0.72-0.88) and manual stress ankle radiography 0.65-1.00 (and 0.00-0.77). The largest AUC was found for ultrasonography, followed by MMFS, gravity stress radiography and MRI.ConclusionUltrasonography and gravity stress radiography seem the most accurate diagnostic tools to evaluate deltoid ligament integrity. To strengthen this conclusion, future research should use an identical reference test to ensure comparability of results. Nevertheless, present study is of high value to close the knowledge gap about which presently available diagnostic tool is to be preferred to evaluate deltoid ligament integrity in patients with SER-type ankle fractures.