Mutian Liu; Guolei Zhang & Wenqing Li
Through anatomical observations, the anatomical characteristics of the inferior extensor retinaculum of ankle (IER) of the ankle joint were elucidated, and its potential applications in treating lateral ankle instability or other conditions were discussed. A total of 12 adult foot specimens were dissected to expose the inferior extensor retinaculum of ankle, and a standard model was established. The pre-experimental scheme guided the recording of general findings, adjacent structures, lateral attachment in the tarsal sinus region, and influence on movement of inferior tendons. 1, attachment mean width: lateral band of IER 6.6±1.38 mm, oblique superomedial band of IER (32.3±3.97 mm), oblique inferomedial band of IER (30.0±5.30 mm) ; 2, mean length:lateral band of IER (78.1±4.20 mm) , oblique superomedial band of IER (14.2±0.80 mm), oblique inferomedial band of IER (71.8±2.61 mm); 3, maximum mean thickness: lateral band of IER (1.52±0.03 mm), oblique superomedial band of IER (0.89±0.05 mm), oblique inferomedial band of IER (0.73±0.16 mm); 4, the closest distance between IER and the tip of lateral malleolus: 23.9±0.83 mm; 5, mean width of the fiber tunnel:lateral fiber tunnel (11.9±1.16 mm), intermedium fiber tunnel (6.8±1.24 mm), medial fiber tunnel (8.6±0.79 mm); 6, mean distance from tunnel midpoint to lateral malleolar tip: lateral fiber tunnel (38.0±3.74 mm), intermedium fiber tunnel (69.8±4.15 mm), medial fiber tunnel (181.1±6.00 mm); 7, the distance between medial dorsal cutaneous nerve and the tip of lateral malleolus on the level of the IER (79.2±8.3 mm) the distance between intermediate cutaneous nerve of dorsum and the tip of lateral malleolus on the level of the IER (57.9±1.02 mm). The inferior extensor retinaculum of ankle is a crucial restraint unit of the anterior ankle tendon, and a comprehensive understanding of its anatomical characteristics holds significant implications for treating chronic ankle instability and exploring potential clinical applications.
KEY WORDS: Inferior extensor retinaculum of ankle; Anatomical characteristics; Ankle joint.
LIU, M.; ZHANG, G. & LI, W. An applied anatomical study on the inferior extensor retinaculum of ankle. Int. J. Morphol., 42(3):843- 849, 2024.
