Validación del test de movilidad en flexión-extensión de tobillo para la articulación tibioperonea superior comparado con radiología

Introduction

The ankle flexion-extension test for STFJ (superior tibiofibular joint) is used by osteopaths to identify lesions at that level. Scientific evaluation requires the comparison of test results to referential tests, such as radiographs.

Aim

To show that the diagnostic use of the mobility test in the ankle flexo-extension for the superior tibiofibular joint shows reliability and operational validity when applied with accuracy and precision, supported by X-ray images.

Material and methods

Three trained operators evaluated a study group of 51 individuals, consisting of 30 (58.82 %) female subjects and 21 (41.18 %) male subjects, of which 33 (64.71%) were included as symptomatic and 18 (35.29) asymptomatic.

Results

X-rays taken of the STFJ in ankle flexion and extension, of which 19 (37.25 %) showed dysfunction and 32 (62.74 %) did not. Comparing the observations with the results of X-rays, there were no differences in the area (P=.05). Comparing the ankle flexion-extension mobility test with the x-ray results, the null hypothesis (P>.05) is accepted and therefore, the differences between the observer and the Rx is due to chance.

Conclusions

The ankle flexion-extension test for STFJ confirms the presence of an osteopathic lesion with a sensitivity of 85 % and specificity 73,33 %. An assurance by a positive predictive value of 69.99 % and a negative predictive value of 86.85 %. The pressure algometry on the head of the fibula and the finger-floor test do not provide relevant information for diagnosis. With a trained operator, the test allows a low cost diagnosis and avoids radiation exposure to the patient.