Anterior talofibular ligament

The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is a component of the lateral collateral ligament of ankle (lateral ankle ligament complex). The anterior talofibular ligament originates from the anterior margin of the distal fibula, approximately 10–14 mm proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus, and inserts onto the talus near its lateral articular surface, about 11–18 mm from the anterolateral corner of the talar body.

It typically consists of one to three distinct fascicles, most commonly two: a superior and an inferior fascicle. The superior fascicle is intra-articular and larger, while the inferior fascicle is extra-articular and often shares a common fibular origin with the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). Arciform fibers connect the inferior ATFL fascicle to the CFL, forming the lateral fibulotalocalcaneal ligament complex. The ATFL is generally 12–24 mm in length and 5–11 mm in width, with male ligaments tending to be longer and wider than female ligaments.

Anatomical variation is common: single, double, and triple fascicle configurations have been described, with double fascicles present in the majority of specimens