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What is the Etiology of Anterior Ankle Impingement?
Anterior ankle impingement is the response to joint damage. It can be the result of trauma, such as after an ankle fracture or injury, or ankle instability and related cartilage damage.
Why is it Referred to as "Athlete's Ankle?"
Sporting activity puts significant load and stress on the ankle cartilage, and the joint response is to scar and produce osteophytes.
Describe the Clinical Presentation
A patient reports anterior ankle pain that is worse with dorsiflexion. He or she points to the anterior aspect of the ankle as the location of the pain. Ascending hills are worse because they require more ankle dorsiflexion. Squats hurt for the same reason. Heel lifts feel better. Swelling in the ankle may be present. The motion of the ankle can be less in dorsiflexion than on the opposite side.
What Are the Preferred Imaging Studies for Diagnosing Anterior Ankle Impingement?