The ligaments connecting the leg to the ankle are crucial for stability and proper function. Specifically, this refers to the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) just above the ankle joint, maintaining the integrity of the tibiofibular syndesmosis.
Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Ligaments
These ligaments are essential for stabilizing the connection between the tibia and fibula just above the ankle. Here's a breakdown:
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Anterior (or Anteroinferior) Tibiofibular Ligament: Located on the front side of the joint.
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Posterior (or Posteroinferior) Tibiofibular Ligament: Found on the back side of the joint.
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Interosseous Tibiofibular Ligament: Situated between the tibia and fibula bones.
- The inferior segment of the interosseous membrane also provides additional stability to the tibiofibular syndesmosis.
Importance of these Ligaments
These ligaments are responsible for the proper biomechanics of the ankle joint. They maintain the correct spacing between the tibia and fibula, which is critical for weight-bearing and activities like walking, running, and jumping. Injuries to these ligaments, often referred to as "high ankle sprains", can significantly impair ankle function.
