The ankle ligaments provide stability and support, primarily divided into those on the outside (lateral) and inside (medial) of the ankle. Let's break them down:
Lateral Ankle Ligaments
These are located on the outside of the ankle. The reference text specifically names three ligaments that make up the lateral ligament complex:
- Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (ATFL): Located at the front of the ankle.
- Calcaneo-Fibular Ligament (CFL): Situated in the middle of the lateral ankle.
- Posterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (PTFL): Found at the back of the ankle.
The reference also mentions that the ATFL and CFL are the most commonly injured ligaments in ankle sprains.
Medial Ankle Ligaments (Deltoid Ligament)
While not detailed in the provided reference, it's important to note the presence of a strong ligament complex on the inside (medial) of the ankle called the deltoid ligament. This ligament is actually a group of ligaments connecting the tibia to several bones in the foot.
Here's a summarized breakdown of the ankle ligaments:
| Ligament Group | Specific Ligaments | Location | Common Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lateral | Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (ATFL) | Front of ankle | Sprain |
| Calcaneo-Fibular Ligament (CFL) | Middle of ankle | Sprain | |
| Posterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (PTFL) | Back of ankle | Less common | |
| Medial | Deltoid Ligament (complex of ligaments) | Inside of ankle | Less common |
