Medial collateral ligament of ankle
Ligamentum collaterale mediale articulationis talocruralis
- Latin synonym: Ligamentum deltoideum
- Synonym: Deltoid ligament; Medial collateral ligament of talocrural joint
- Related terms: Medial ligament; Deltoid ligament
Definition
The medial collateral ligament of ankle (Deltoid ligament; Medial ligament of talocrural joint) is a strong, flat, triangular band, attached, above, to the apex and anterior and posterior borders of the medial malleolus.
It is a complex structure composed of distinct fascicles organized into superficial and deep layers.
Superficial layer:
Tibionavicular ligament: extends from the tibia to the navicular bone.
Tibiospring ligament: connects the tibia to the spring ligament complex.
Tibiocalcaneal ligament: runs from the tibia to the calcaneus.
Deep layer: fibers that are attached, above, to the tip of the medial malleolus, and, below, to the medial surface of the talus.
The superficial fascicles primarily stabilize the talonavicular and subtalar joints, while the deep tibiotalar fascicle is intra-articular and provides direct restraint to talar movement within the mortise.
The medial collateral ligament of ankle is covered by the tendons of the Tibialis posterior and Flexor digitorum longus.
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