Ankle Anatomy [2]

The ankle contains several ligaments. Ligaments are very similar to tendons. The difference is that tendons attach muscles to bones. Ligaments attach bones to bones. The ankle ligaments are made up of small fibers of collagen. These collagen fibers are bundled together to form a strong, rope-like structure. The location of each ankle ligament determines the name, and the thickness determines its strength.

Ligaments of the Ankle

Ligaments on both sides of the ankle joint help hold the bones together. Three ligaments make up the lateral ligament complex on the side of the ankle farthest from the other ankle. These include the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). The anterior talofibular ligament is the most important stabilizer and the most commonly injured.

The Deltoid Ligament

The medial ankle is supported by the deltoid ligament. The medial collateral (deltoid) ligament includes both superficial and deep components. The superficial components include the superficial talotibial, naviculotibial, and calcaneotibial components. The deep deltoid ligament fibers run transversely from the posterior colliculus of the tibia to the talus bone.

Ankle Syndesmosis Ligaments

Ligaments also support the lower end of the leg, where it forms a hinge for the ankle. This series of ligaments supports the ankle syndesmosis, the part of the ankle where the bottom end of the fibula meets the tibia. Three main ligaments support this area. The ligament crossing just above the front of the ankle and connecting the tibia to the fibula is called the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL).

The posterior fibular ankle ligaments attach across the back of the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. These ligaments include the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and the transverse ligament.

An interosseous membrane lies between the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. The term "interosseous" means between bones. The interosseous ligament is a long sheet of connective tissue that connects the entire length of the tibia and fibula.