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Ankle Syndesmosis

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Description

Anterior inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis[6]
Posterior inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis[6]
Illustration of the normal tibiofibular syndesmosis[7]

Names

  • Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis
  • Inferior Tibiofibular Joint
  • Distal Tibiofibular Joint
  • Ankle Syndesmosis

General

  • Defined as a syndesmotic articulation between distal fibula, distal tibia
  • Specifically, the convex surface of the fibula and concave surface of the tibia
  • Firmly attached by a series of ligaments[8]
  • Stability is critical for normal functioning of the ankle, lower extremity

Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament

  • Flat, strong ligament
  • Origin: longitudinal tubercle on the anterior aspect of the lateral malleolus
  • Fibers course superior, medially
  • Insert: anterolateral tubercle of the tibia
  • Increase in length from proximal to distal
  • Helps prevent excessive fibular movement, external talar rotation[9]

Posterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament

  • Superficial fibers
    • Origin: posterior tubercle of the tibia
    • Run obliquely, distally, laterally
    • Insert: posterior lateral malleolus
    • Works with anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament to hold fibula close in the fibular groove
  • Deep fibers
    • Also called the Transverse Tibiofibular Ligament
    • Thicken, strong ligament with twisting fibers
    • Origin: posterior tibial margin
    • Insertion: osteochondral junction on posterior, medial margin of distal fibula
    • Helps to prevent posterior tibial talar translation
    • Creates a posterior labrum, deepens articular surface of distal tibia
    • Fills the posteromedial aspect of the lateral malleolus, deepening mortise, increasing stability

Interosseous Ligament of the Leg

  • Origin: anteroinferior triangular aspect of the medial aspect of the distal fibular shaft
  • Insert: lateral surface of the distal tibia
  • Thickening of the distal Interosseous Membrane of the Leg
  • Thought to act as a spring, allowing for slight separation between medial/lateral mal during dorsiflexion[10]

Significance of Each Ligament

  • Three major ligaments account for 90% of total resistance to fibular displacement
  • Individual contributions[10]
    • Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (35%)
    • Transverse (deep posterior) ligament (33%)
    • Interosseous ligament (22%)
    • Superficial posterior inferior ligament (9%)

Clinical Significance


See Also


References

  1. Liu, Jiayong, Daniel Valentine, and Nabil A. Ebraheim. "Management of syndesmosis injury: a narrative review." Orthopedic Research and Reviews (2022): 471-475.
  2. Huang, Qiang, et al. "Diagnosis of tibiofibular syndesmosis instability in Weber type B malleolar fractures." Journal of International Medical Research 48.7 (2020): 0300060520939752.
  3. Molinari, A., M. Stolley, and A. Amendola. "High ankle sprains (syndesmotic) in athletes: diagnostic challenges and review of the literature." The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal 29 (2009): 130.
  4. Hao, Kevin A., et al. "Intraoperative assessment of reduction of the ankle syndesmosis." Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 15.5 (2022): 344-352.
  5. Williams, Brady T., et al. "Ankle syndesmosis: a qualitative and quantitative anatomic analysis." The American Journal of Sports Medicine 43.1 (2015): 88-97.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Norkus, Susan A., and R. T. Floyd. "The anatomy and mechanisms of syndesmotic ankle sprains." Journal of athletic training 36.1 (2001): 68.
  7. Liu, Jiayong, Daniel Valentine, and Nabil A. Ebraheim. "Management of syndesmosis injury: A narrative review." Orthopedic Research and Reviews (2022): 471-475.
  8. Vogl TJ, Hochmuth K, Diebold T, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of acute injured distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Invest Radiol. 1997;32:401–409.
  9. Sarsam, I. M., and S. P. F. Hughes. "The role of the anterior tibio-fibular ligament in talar rotation: an anatomical study." Injury 19.2 (1988): 62-64.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Ogilvie-Harris, D. J., S. C. Reed, and T. P. Hedman. "Disruption of the ankle syndesmosis: biomechanical study of the ligamentous restraints." Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery 10.5 (1994): 558-560.
Created by:
John Kiel on 21 November 2024 21:14:06
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Last edited:
21 January 2026 18:28:47
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