Ligament kinematics of the ankle joint. An experimental study

Abstract

In an experimental study using osteo-ligamentous preparations of ankle joints we studied the ligamentous kinematics of isolated ligament fibers of different lateral and medial ankle ligaments. Results demonstrate a different kinematic pattern of the ligaments depending on the joint position. The anterior fibula-talar ligament shows an anisometric characteristic of different fibers and demonstrates a maximal ligament strain of the most anterior fiber in maximal plantarflexion; fibers located more dorsally have their maximal strain in plantarflexion of less degrees. In contrast to that the fibula-calcaneus ligament demonstrates a more isometric characteristic. At the medial side the different parts of the deltoid ligament also demonstrate a different kinematic characteristic. In contrast to the pars tibio-calcanearis which has a more isometric ligament kinematic of isolated fibers, ligament fibers of the pars tibiotalaris posterior demonstrate an anisometric ligament kinematic. For clinical aspects an anatomically correct reconstruction of ruptured ligaments and fractures as well as an anatomic reconstruction in chronic unstable ankle joints is recommended.