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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.