Qualitative and Quantitative Anatomic Investigation of the Lateral Ankle Ligaments for Surgical Reconstruction Procedures

Background: Lateral ankle sprains are common sports injuries that may require surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability. Anatomic repair or reconstruction is desired, yet there is a scarcity of quantitative information regarding the origins and insertions of the lateral ligaments related to surgically pertinent osseous landmarks. Methods: Fourteen ankle specimens were dissected to isolate the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament, and cervical ligament. A three-dimensional coordinate measurement device was used to determine the origins, insertions, footprint areas, orientations, and distances from osseous landmarks. Results: A single-banded anterior talofibular ligament was identified in seven of the fourteen specimens, and a double-banded anterior talofibular ligament was identified in the remaining seven. The single-banded anterior talofibular ligament originated an average of 13.8 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.3 to 15.3) from the inferior tip of the lateral malleolus at the anterior fibular border and inserted an average of 17.8 mm (95% CI, 16.3 to 19.3) superior to the apex of the lateral talar process along the anterior border of the talar lateral articular facet. The calcaneofibular ligament originated an average of 5.3 mm (95% CI, 4.2 to 6.5) from the inferior tip of the lateral malleolus at the anterior fibular border and inserted an average of 16.3 mm (95% CI, 14.5 to 18.1) from the posterior point of the peroneal tubercle. The posterior talofibular ligament was the largest ligament and originated an average of 4.8 mm (95% CI, 3.7 to 5.9) superior to the inferior tip of the lateral malleolus in the digital fossa to insert an average of 13.2mm (95% CI, 11.5 to 14.9) from the talar posterolateral tubercle. The cervical ligament originated on the superior part of the calcaneus and inserted at a point that was approximately 50% of the talar neck anteroposterior distance. Conclusions: Consistent distances from the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament, and cervical ligament footprint centers to osseous landmarks were identified.