Traumatic foot and ankle injuries in the athlete

The effects of tibiofibularis anterior ligaments on ankle joint biomechanics

“…The anterior displacement of fibula was reported to be an average of 1.2 mm, with a sectioned AITFL. [2,6,14] …”

“…[3,5] There are three main ligaments that add stability to distal tibiofibular syndesmosis including the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), the posterior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), and the interosseous ligament. [1][2][3][4] Anterior inferior tibia fibular ligament is a flat strong ligament that originates from the longitudinal tubercle on the anterior aspect of the lateral malleolus and fibers course superiorly and medially attaching on the anterolateral tubercle of tibia. This ligament, in addition to holding the fibula tight to the tibia, prevents excessive fibular movement and external talar rotation.…”

“…Most commonly, the AITFL is ruptured. [2,13] This anterior syndesmotic diastasis is an open book injury resulting from external rotation of the fibula. Tibia fibular ligament sprains are important since they have a longer recovery time, and they may develop subsequent chronic ankle instability.…”

“…[1,2] Compared with the lateral ankle sprain, syndesmosis sprains are uncommon and noted less frequently. The incidence of syndesmosis injuries is reported 1% to 11% of all ankle injuries.…”

“…[3] Syndesmotic injuries are still often undetected and diagnosed only after a simple ankle sprain fails to heal. [2] Syndesmosis injuries are a greater source of impairment than the typical lateral ankle sprain. [4] Partial disruption of syndesmosis is difficult to diagnose.…”