Anterior colliculus of medial malleolus
Colliculus anterior malleoli medialis
Definition
The anterior colliculus of the medial malleolus is a small bony projection located on the anterior (front) aspect of the medial malleolus of the tibia.
The medial malleolus is the prominent bony landmark on the inner side of the ankle, formed by the distal tibia. On its anterior surface, the medial malleolus presents two small elevations:
The anterior colliculus (larger and more prominent).
The posterior colliculus (smaller).
Between them lies the intercollicular groove for the attachment of the deltoid ligament (medial collateral ligament of the ankle).
Function and Attachments
The anterior colliculus serves as an attachment site for the anterior fibers of the deltoid ligament, particularly the tibionavicular and anterior tibiotalar parts.
It helps stabilize the ankle joint, resisting excessive eversion.
Clinical relevance
Avulsion fractures of the anterior colliculus can occur with deltoid ligament injuries.
Precise knowledge of its anatomy is important in ankle fracture classification (e.g., Lauge-Hansen or AO/OTA systems) and in surgical approaches to the medial malleolus.
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