Sectional anatomy of ligaments of lateral aspect of ankle and subtalar joints

Objective To provide the sectional anatomic features of the ligaments of lateral aspect of the ankle and subtalar joint for clinical MRI diagnosis. Methods A total of 30 cadaver ankles and subtalar joints were sectioned on coronal, sagittal, transverse and transverse oblique planes respectively with cryosection. The attachment, course and relationship of the ligaments of lateral aspect of the ankle and subtalar joint on 4 orientation sections were observed. Results When the foot was in a relaxing position, the optimal position to observe anterior talofibular ligament with MRI was transverse orientation, to calcaneofibular ligament was transverse oblique, to posterior talofibular ligament and cervical ligament was coronal and to interosseous talocalcaneal ligament was sagittal orientation. The identifying signs of the ligaments were described. Conclusion The identifying signs and appropriate sectional orientations are helpful in observing the ligaments of lateral aspect of the ankle and subtalar joint on sectional samples.