Objective To observe the morphological characteristics of posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and clarify its anatomical types, so as to provide useful information for the precise anatomy of talofibular joint and the surgical repair of ligament. Methods One hundred lower limbs of human cadavers were used to dissect PTFL and intermalleolar ligament (IML), observing their morphological characteristics and variations. The length, origin width, insertion width of PTFL were measured. Results Based on the morphological features, PTFL was classified into: Type I: PTFL appeared as a single, continuous band without significant branching, presenting as an independent strip in 72 cases (72%), among which 28 cases showed connection to intermalleolar ligament (IML); Type II: PTFL was divided into two fiber bundles, running parallel or with a small angle to each other in 23 cases (23%), among which 6 cases had connection to IML; Type III: PTFL was divided into three fiber bundles, running parallel or with small angles to each other in 4 cases (4%), and only 1 case connected to IML. PTFL has an average length of (22.51±3.67) mm, an average origin width of (7.26±1.41) mm, and an average insertion width of (5.61±1.43) mm. There were statistically significant differences in the insertion width (P<0.05) and length (P<0.05) among types I～III. There were significant differences in the insertion width (P<0.05) and length (P<0.05) between male and female. Conclusions The classification of PTFL and its relationship with IML in this study is a supplement to the detailed anatomy of the ankle joint. In clinical diagnosis, attention should be paid to the characteristics and variations of PTFL and IML, as it is helpful for understanding the mechanism of posterior ankle ligament injuries and providing important information for their diagnosis and treatment.
Key words
Posterior talofibular ligament /
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Intermalleolar ligament /
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Variation /
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Applied anatomy
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