Morphometric Dimensions of the Dorsal Calcaneocuboid Ligament

Abstract

An isolated injury to the calcaneocuboid joint is frequently unrecognized clinically. The possibility of an injured dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament (DCC) should be considered in all acutely swollen feet after trauma involving supination. Despite its significance, there is much confusion in the literature regarding nomenclature, morphology, and location. To determine morphometric dimensions, dissection was performed on the feet of 30 adult preserved cadaveric limbs. The DCC was consistently present in all specimens in the form of either a solitary structure (66.6%) or 2 components (33.3%). For the solitary structures, the superior and inferior borders measured 18.6 +/- 2.8 mm and 17.3 +/- 2.5 mm, respectively. The widths of the calcaneal and cuboid sides were 13.8 +/- 2.2 mm and 12.4 +/- 2.1 mm, respectively. In the 2 component ligaments, the superior component had a superior and inferior length that averaged 16.9 +/- 2.1 mm and 16.4 +/- 2.8 mm, respectively. Its calcaneal and cuboid borders were 9.3 +/- 1.2 mm and 10.6 +/- 1.4 mm, respectively. The inferior component had superior and inferior sides that were 12.9 +/- 2.9 mm and 13.8 +/- 3.0 mm, respectively. The widths of the calcaneal and cuboid sides were 8.3 +/- 1.4 mm and 7.2 +/- 1.0 mm, respectively. We have demonstrated variations in the morphology of the DCC along with its morphometric dimensions. Knowledge of the morphologic variations and dimensions of the DCC can be of aid when planning for surgical management of the ruptured ligament.