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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability
Published on: October 28, 2022
The different subtalar ligaments show significant differences in their mechanical properties
Frederick Michels1, Orçun Taylan2, Filip Stockmans3
1Orthopaedic Department, AZ Groeninge, President Kennedylaan 4, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium; MIFAS by GRECMIP (Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Society), Merignac, France; ESSKA-AFAS Ankle Instability Group; Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Training (IORT), Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
The anterior capsular ligament-interosseous talocalcaneal ligament complex (ACaL-ITCL) is stiffer than the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and cervical ligament (CL). The CFL and CL are more compliant, suggesting their role in subtalar instability.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic biomechanics
- Ligamentous injury and repair
- Foot and ankle anatomy
Background:
- The precise contribution of individual ligaments to subtalar joint stability remains incompletely understood.
- Assessing the mechanical properties of these structures is crucial for understanding joint function and injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively evaluate the material properties, specifically stiffness and failure load, of key ligamentous structures within the subtalar joint.
- To compare the biomechanical characteristics of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), cervical ligament (CL), and the anterior capsular ligament-interosseous talocalcaneal ligament complex (ACaL-ITCL).
Main Methods:
- Bone-ligament-bone complexes of the CFL, CL, and ACaL-ITCL were harvested from eighteen paired fresh-frozen cadaveric feet.
- Uniaxial tensile testing was performed on each ligament complex to determine stiffness and ultimate failure load.
Main Results:
- The ACaL-ITCL complex exhibited significantly higher stiffness compared to both the CFL and CL.
- The failure load of the ACaL-ITCL complex and the CFL were significantly greater than that of the CL.
- Partial rupture was the predominant injury pattern observed across all tested ligament complexes.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in intrinsic mechanical properties exist among the CFL, CL, and ACaL-ITCL.
- The CFL and CL, being more compliant, are implicated in the development of subtalar instability.
- Material properties suggest a gracilis tendon graft may be more suitable than synthetic materials for reconstructing the CL or CFL.
