Abstract:

Objective　To study anatomic characteristics of the anterior talofibular and the posterior intermalleolar ligaments, and explore their functions and clinic significance.    Methods　10 ankle joint specimens from adult fresh cadavers were used. The anterior talofibular and the posterior intermalleolar ligaments were carefully dissected. The origin, insertion points, coruse and the adjacent structures were observed. the functions of those ligaments were analyzed.    Results　The anterior talofibular ligaments of 7 cases （70%）presented the double-banded shape, with the increased width of two bands compared to that of one-banded ligaments. the course of two bands formed the shape of "人". In plantar flexion, the inferior band of the ligament remains relaxed while the upper band became taut. In dorsiflexion, the upper band remains relaxed, and the inferior band became tight. The posterior intermalleolar ligament ran obliquely from lateral to medial. The medial arising sites of the ligament included the lateral border of the medial malleolar sulcus, the medial border of the medial malleolar sulcus through the septum between the flexor digitorum longus and posterior tibial tendons, the posterior distal margin of the tibia, and the posterior process of the talus through the joint capsule. This ligament was important to sustain the stabilization of the malleolar joint and to prevent the astragalar dislocation.    Conclusions　The double-banded structure of anterior talofibular ligament can strengthen the intensity. It is worthy to do a further study about the mechanism that the posterior intermalleolar ligament involvement in the posterior soft tissue impingement syndrome of the ankle.

Key words: Ankle joint, Anterior talofibular ligament, Posterior intermalleolar ligament, Applied , anatomy