Figure 8 Measurement For Ankle Swelling

Question 1

Define the purpose of the figure 8 method

Answer 1

• measurement of swelling across common areas for ankle sprains such as the talofibular ligament

Question 2

What are the contraindications and indications for this test?

Answer 2

• no contraindications for this test
• indications for this test is ankle edema due to causes such as musculoskeletal pathology or systemic pathology

Question 3

What is a “positive test” in the perspective of a figure 8 test?

Answer 3

When there is a difference between ankles

Question 4

Name the 4 landmarks we need to find for this test

Answer 4

• navicular tuberosity
• base of 5th metatarsal
• distal tip of medial malleolus
• distal tip of lateral malleolus

Question 5

In which position do we want the patient to be in for this test?

Answer 5

Laying on table with ankle in neutral position

Question 6

Describe the steps of measuring the ankle

Answer 6

1. Put tape measure between tibialis anterior tendon and lateral malleolus
2. Pull tape medially and distal to navicular tuberosity
3. Tape is pulled across arch, ending just proximal to 5th metatarsal
4. Tape is pulled across tibialis anterior tendon, around the ankle slightly distal to medial malleolus
5. Tape is wrapped around the Achilles tendon just distal to lateral malleolus and across where the tape began

*** can take normal ankle measurements to compare