Deltoid Ligament Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 2 min read Readers 2
Deltoid Ligament test

What is the "Deltoid Ligament Test" used for?

  • To assess the deltoid ligament using 3 separate passive movements

How to perform the "Deltoid Ligament Test"?

Patient is seated with their leg flexed at the knee and hanging over a table, and examiner stabilizes the anterior surface of the tibia and fibula proximal to the ankle ( with one hand):

  1. Assess Anterior Fibers of the Deltoid Ligament:
    • examiner uses their other hand to graps the dorsal surface of the foot, combining eversion and plantarflexion of the foot and applying overpressure.
  2. Assess Middle Fibers of the Deltoid Ligament
    • examiner repositions their hand so the calcaneus is grasped ( still stabilizing the anterior surface of the tibia and fibula proximal to the ankle with their other hand).
    • patient’s hindfoot is taken into eversion with overpressure
  3. Assess Posterior Fibers of the Deltoid Ligament:
    • examiner repositions their hand so the calcaneus is grasped ( still stabilizing the anterior surface of the tibia and fibula proximal to the ankle with their other hand).
    • examiner combines eversion and dorsiflexion of the foot with overpressure

What is the positive result?

  • POSITIVE TEST:
    • Pain and Hypermobility local to the ligament
    • Muscle spasm end feel may be present with a subacute injury

References

  • Al-Mohrej, Omar & Al-Kenani, Nader. (2016). Acute ankle sprain: Conservative or surgical approach?. EFORT Open Reviews. 1. 28-38. 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000010. Link
  • Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System 3rd Edition.
  • Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention 3rd Edition.