Contribution to the Anatomical Description of the Medial Ankle Ligament Complex

Authors

  • Yabka Assia
  • Hamzaoui Bahia

Abstract

The medial collateral ligament of the ankle has two planes: superficial and deep. It is more resistant than the lateral collateral ligament and its damage is most often accompanied by malleolar fractures. Our work focuses on the anatomical characteristics of this ligament. Material and methods. Twenty-four fresh ankles were dissected. The number of bundles, dimensions and relationships with neighbouring structures were studied. Results. The medial collateral ligament consisted of two layers; deep and superficial. The tibio-navicular, tibio-spring, tibio-calcaneal ligaments in the superficial plane and the anterior and posterior tibiotalar ligaments in the deep plane are always present. The posterior tibio-calcaneal is the longest, the tibio sprig the thinnest and the tibio navicular the widest. The flexor tendons cover this ligament. In 65% of cases, the superficial layer completely covers the deep layer. In 35% of cases, the deep layer is visible through a posterior angle. Conclusion. The medial collateral ligament is stretched in plantar flexion; its rupture is rare and is usually accompanied by a malleolar fracture. Macroscopic and morphometric knowledge of this ligament can serve as a basis for understanding the mechanisms of injury and for surgical reconstruction.

Key words: Anatomical dissection, ankle, medial ligament, description

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