Can an indication of a torn ankle ligament be seen on an xray ?

Yes: There are a couple of ways to infer ligament injury. One would be soft tissue swelling over the area of the injured ligament. A more specific finding would be widening of the joint space in the area over which the ligament is expected to stabilize the joint. Sometimes x-rays are performed with pressure performed over the area of the ligament to see if that pressure widens the joint.

You may see: The suggestion of increased space in between bones of the foot that could represent ligamentous damage, but the only real way to "visualize" ligamentous damage is either through an MRI or direct visualize during surgery.

Probably not: It may show swelling but not definite torn ligament. Xrays are good to reveal bone abnormalities not soft tissue injuries.

Not on plaine X-Ray: The diagnosis of torn ligament is made by physical examination by your doctor. it can be seen only on a MRI scan which should only be done by an Orthopedic specialist. Ask your PCP more about how to sort it all out.

Usually not: xrays are good for looking at bones, but generally not good for looking at ligaments. Usually an MRI is needed to look for ligament damage.

Not usually: Plain radiographs are great for bone abnormalities. Non specific soft tissue swelling can be seen. Sometimes joint effusion can be detected. Ligamentous anatomy requires MR imaging.

Sometimes: sometimes you see things like a "fleck" this is a tiny avulsion of bone…known to occur with a tendon or ligament injury…a better test would be ultrasound or MRI.