Posterior malleolus
Malleolus posterior
- Latin synonym: Malleolus posterior tibiae
- Synonym: Posterior tibial malleolus
Definition
The posterior malleolus is the posterior aspect of the distal tibia that forms the back part of the ankle joint. Anatomically, it contributes to the tibial plafond and serves as an attachment site for the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, which is important for syndesmotic stability and ankle function.
Fractures of the posterior malleolus are common in ankle injuries and can range from small avulsion fragments to large, displaced intra-articular fragments. The morphology of these fractures is variable, most often involving the posterolateral portion of the tibial plafond, but can also extend medially or involve multiple fragments.
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