External Rotation Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 2
syndesmotic ligaments External Rotation Test

What is the "External Rotation Test" used for?

  • The external rotation test is used to demonstrate the integrity of the syndesmotic ligaments.

How to perform the "External Rotation Test"?

  • The patient sits with the knee flexed to 90°.
  • The foot is gently grasped and rotated laterally with the ankle locked in neutral.

What is the positive result?

  • A positive test result occurs when the patient has pain over the syndesmosis.

Test Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 20 %
  • Specificity: 84 %

References

  • BĹ‚asiak, Adrian & Sadlik, Boguslaw & Brzoska, Roman. (2013). Injuries of the distal tibio-fibular syndesmosis. Polish orthopedics & traumatology. 78. 139-50.  Link