Fernández Elias & Pérez Mérida Luis

The lateral ankle complex (LAC) basically includes three structures called anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and pos- terior talofibular ligament (PTFL). In recent works published in relation to the morphology of LAC, ATFL is classified into three types, based on the number of bands or fascicles. This morphological modification poses new challenges for anatomical studies in biomechanics and ankle stability. The objective of this is to deepen in greater detail the anatomy of this complex, based on dissections by layer that allow us to study the existing relationships between these ligaments and surrounding structures. 10 frozen pieces belonging to the Department of Anatomy and Legal Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Chile were used; whose ligaments were located and measured in width and length. For ATFL, a single pattern was found in 5 samples, bifurcated in 4, while a trifurcated pattern was seen in one case. Knowledge of the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle, as well as its direction, biometry and bands or fascicles, are an important contribution to imaging, rehabilitation, clinics and surgeries that address this region.

KEY WORDS. Ankle lateral ligamentous complex; Ankle Ligaments; Ankle Anatomy.

FERNÁNDEZ, E. & PÉREZ MÉRIDA, L. Lateral ankle ligamentous complex: biometrics and division patterns. Int. J. Morphol., 41(2):607-611, 2023.