Purpose: Our objective was to define the arthroscopic anatomy of the posterior ankle ligaments.
Type of study: Anatomic study.
Methods: Twenty fresh-frozen feet were dissected in order to examine the morphology of the posterior ankle ligaments and their variations. In addition, arthroscopic examination was performed in 8 feet with standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals. Posterior ligamentous structures were identified and marked with suture. Following arthroscopy, careful dissection was performed and previously marked anatomic structures were identified.
Results: At the time of anatomic dissection, the posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament, also called the tibial slip, was found to be a constant structure with varying size and shape, and well evident during arthroscopy due to its oblique course. The deep component of the posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament, also called the transverse ligament, is well defined during arthroscopy. The 2 ligaments not well visualized during arthroscopy are the superficial component of the posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament.
Conclusions: These findings should be of interest in interpreting findings encountered during arthroscopic examination of ankle, and when a posterior soft-tissue impingement syndrome must be ruled out.