Definition
Synonym: Ligamentum collaterale laterale (there is also a ligament called this at the knee) The upper ankle joint of the foot – like the lower one – is reinforced by the ligamentous apparatus of the outer ligaments. These outer ligaments of the ankle are roughly divided into an inner and an outer ligament apparatus. The outer ligament apparatus is formed by the Ligamentum collaterale laterale (outer collateral ligament), which consists of several individual ligaments.
Anatomy
The Ligamentum collaterale laterale consists of three band parts: All three parts of the outer ligaments originate at the lateral malleolus. The lower part of the fibula is called the outer ankle. Two of the ligaments start at the talus (ankle bone), one at the calcaneus (heel bone).
The ligamentum talofibulare anterius draws from the front part of the outer ankle diagonally forward to the talus (talus). The Ligamentum talofibulare posterius has the same bones as its attachment, but it draws diagonally from the posterior tip of the outer ankle backwards to the talus. The anterior ligament is thinner and weaker than the posterior ligament and is therefore much more frequently affected by torn ligaments.
The third ligament belonging to the external ligament apparatus is the calcaneo-fibular ligament. It pulls relatively centrally from the outer ankle to the side down and starts at the calcaneus (heel bone). The pulling (torsion) or tearing (rupture) of the outer ligament is a relatively common event.
It occurs when the foot is bent, the so-called supination trauma. The ankle bends outwards, the sole of the foot inwards and the ligaments on the outside of the foot (outer ligaments) come under strong tension. Sports injuries are often the cause, but twisting due to unfavourable impact on uneven ground or when climbing stairs can also be the cause.
In most cases, the talofibular anterior ligament is affected, often in combination with the calcaneofibular ligament. The Lig. talofibulare posterius, however, is almost never torn.
Ligament structures of the foot are particularly frequently affected by injuries. A typical bending of the foot inwards or outwards can result in damage to the capsule-ligament apparatus with tearing, stretching or tearing of the affected ligaments. Bony injuries, such as fractures of the outer or inner ankle are possible, but rather rare.
With about 20% of all sports injuries, the ankle joint is very often affected by traumas of any kind. Compared to other joints, however, there is hardly any wear and tear in the ankle joint, as long as no trauma has occurred. Thus, the most common arthroses occur after ankle dislocation fractures or complex capsule-ligament injuries.
