[Anatomical evaluation and clinical significance of lateral ankle ligament]

Abstract

Objective: To measure anatomy of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and their relationship to adjacent osseous structures, in order to provide anatomical reference to surgical procedures.

Methods: Twenty-six human ankle cadavers were used in this study. The mean value of length, insertion width, insertion angle and distance to adjacent osseous structures were measured.

Results: The lengths of ATFL and CFL were (20.08 ± 2.16) mm and (32.72 ± 9.17) mm. The width of ATFL were (8.75 ± 1.8) mm (proximal) and (9.26 ± 1.34) mm (distal) respectively. The distance of distal ATFL footprint to the upper-surface of talus neck were (12.92 ± 0.93) mm, the distance of proximal ATFL footprint to fibular tip were (11.44±0.61) mm. The width of CFL were (4.76 ± 0.62) mm (proximal) and (5.08 ± 0.77) mm (distal) respectively. The distance of proximal CFL footprint to fibular tip were (3.74 ± 0.55) mm, The distance of distal CFL footprint to the surface of subtalar joint were (12.62 ± 2.08) mm. The insertion angle with fibular axis in lateral view of ATFL and CFL were 81° ± 11°and 47° ± 16° respectively. ATFL in anterioposterior view had 67° ± 7° angle with fibular axis.

Conclusion: The length and width of ATFL and CFL were relatively constant. The lateral insertion angle was relatively with large variation. These data may provide reference for reconstructing lateral ankle ligaments.