Thelateraltalocalcanealligament(LTCL) is part of the subtalar joint. The morphological characteristics and anatomical variability of this ligament were studied in detail in a group of Chilean individuals. A descriptive study of the ligament was carried out where the frequency of variations and biometric measurements of the ligament were verified in 30 individual ankles of cadavers. To analyze the results, the median was used as a measure of central tendency and non-parametric statistical tests. The LTCL was classified into three types according to its relationship with the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), where Type I corresponds to a branch of the CFL, Type II as an independent entity and parallel to the CFL, and Type III when the LTCL is absent. The relative frequency of each type was 43 %, 23.3 % and 33.3 %, respectively. When comparing the results, there is no consensus regarding the variability of this ligament and it may even be underreported when considering it an anatomical variant of the CFL. On the other hand, few studies report their biometric variables and their classification into various types. Based on the findings of this study and given the variability of this ligament, it could be considered as an inconstant structure, in which its absence could potentially contribute to ankle instability, while its presence related to the CFL and the anterior talofibular ligament would provide potentially greater stability to the lateral ankle complex.

KEY WORDS: Anatomy; Ankle; Subtalar joint; Lateral talocalcaneal ligament.