Lateral collateral ligament of ankle
Ligamentum collaterale laterale articulationis talocruralis
- Synonym: Lateral collateral ligament of talocrural joint; Lateral ankle ligament complex
- Related terms: Lateral ligament
Definition
The lateral collateral ligament of the ankle is composed of three distinct ligaments: the anterior talofibular ligament , the calcaneofibular ligament, and the posterior talofibular ligament . These ligaments originate from the lateral malleolus of the fibula and insert onto the talus and calcaneus, stabilizing the lateral aspect of the ankle joint.
The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) consists of one or two fascicles (superior and inferior). The superior fascicle is intra-articular, while the inferior fascicle shares a common fibular origin with the CFL. The ATFL runs from the anterior margin of the lateral malleolus to the lateral talar neck.
The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) is a cord-like or flat ligament that courses from the tip of the lateral malleolus downward and posteriorly to the lateral calcaneal surface, crossing both the ankle and subtalar joints.
The posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) is the strongest and thickest component, running horizontally from the posterolateral fibula to the posterolateral talus.
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