Ankle Prophylaxes Do Not Prevent Significant Anterior Ankle Translation Measured By The KT-2000

Context: The KT 2000 arthrometer is primarily used to measure the amount of anterior and posterior displacement of the tibia relative to the femur. The KT 2000 has also been used to measure glenohumeral joint laxity in previous studies. We have established reliability(r=0.78) of the KT-2000 as a measure of anterior-posterior translation at the talocrural joint. Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure anterior talofibular ligament (ATF) translation using a KT-2000 knee arthrometer in subjects that were braced, taped or not taped/braced. Additionally, we assessed how exercise effects ATF translation across these conditions. Conclusions: These data show that as the applied load increases the anterior translation of the ATF increases. We conclude that applied loads after a bout of exercise increase anterior translation of the ATF. However, these data do not show any change in anterior translation of the ATF across prophylactic conditions. Clinically, application of tape or brace may not prevent anterior translation, but still be effective in restraining inversion and plantar flexion loads.