The anterior talofibular ligament of the ankle: Macroscopic and morphometric study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction - The anterior talofibular ligament represents the anterior bundle of the lateral complex of the ankle. Being the least resistant, it is the first touched in case of lateral sprain of the ankle. Our work aims to highlight the great variability of this ligament. Material and methods - From the dissection of 24 fresh and formaldehyde embalmed ankles, the number of beams, the dimensions at the neutral point and after tensioning, the relations with the neighborhood structures, as well as the insertion points of the LTFA have been studied. Results - The anterior talofibular ligament was formed in 66, 7% of the cases of two bundles and in 33, 3% of the cases it was monofascicular. Its average length in neutral position was 20, 52 ± 2, 35 mm, its width was 7, 10 ± 1, 02 mm. In plantar flexion, the length was 20, 9 ± 0, 05 mm, and in forced inversion, it was 21, 03 ± 0, 07 mm. The distance between his talar insertion and the vertex of the lateral process was 16, 4 mm ± 2 mm. Conclusion - The macroscopic and morphometric knowledge of this ligament can provide a basis for understanding the mechanism of injury, and thus allow better management of lateral ankle sprains.

Keywords

• Dissection
• Ankle, Ligaments
• Morphometry
• Anatomical variability