Abstract:

Objective　observation and measurement of the deltoid ligament were performed through cadaver dissection so that anatomical and biomechanical basis for repair and reconstruction of ankle ligament could be provided.　Methods 　10 cases of adult fresh cadaver ankle specimens were dissected for measurement of the length, width and thickness of each component. The X-ray films were taken under the valgus stress. The medial space of the ankle joint (Mcs) was measured, and the anteroposterior space of the ankles was measured. The triangular ligament were incised from in a superficial-to-deep direction, and the measurement was repeated. 　Results　The ankle ligaments were divided into two layers. When the ankle ligaments were in the complete state, the mean ankle space width of the ankle joint was (2.67±0.38) mm, (2.42±0.35) mm and (2.55±0.24) mm in the plantar flexion, neutral and dorsiflexion, respectively. When the ankle joint in the neutral position and the maximum dorsiflexion, no significant difference of the medial malleolus space could be found after the superficial layer of the triangular ligament was cut when compared to that in complete state (P>0.05), whereas significance could be found when the deep layer of the deltoid ligament was cut (P<0.05). When the ankle joint was at the maximum plantar flexion, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) of the medial malleolus spaceafter ligament disruption compared to that in complete state.　Conclusions  (1) Triangular ligament consists of four ligament bundles, and having good understanding of the origin and insertion of each ligament bundle is the basis for clinical anatomical reconstruction. (2)Applying external rotation stress test with the ankle in plantar flexion, neutral position and dorsiflexion diagnosis of triangular ligament injury can be more comprehensive and accurate.

Key words:  Ankle;　Deltoid ligament;　Spin stress;　The medial space, 　Biomechanics