On examination any positive anterior drawer test of the ankle (4–5 mm compared to the opposite side) suggests an injury to the anterior talofibular ligament.
The anterior talofibular ligament can be assessed by placing the foot in marked plantarflexion. If there is over 10° of difference between the affected foot and nonaffected foot, an anterior talofibular ligament disruption is suspected.
It is extremely rare for all three ligaments to be disrupted, and if so there are usually other significant ankle injuries.