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Ligament force and joint motion in the intact ankle: a cadaveric study
1University of Sport and Physical Education, Oslo, Norway. roald@brage.idrettshs.no
Summary
This study measured ankle ligament forces and joint motion during simulated weight-bearing. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) restrains inversion, while the subtalar joint is key for rotation.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Ankle sprains are common injuries, often involving the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL).
- Understanding ligamentous forces and joint motion during weight-bearing is crucial for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify forces in the ATFL and CFL.
- To measure tibiotalar and subtalar joint motion.
- To assess these parameters under simulated weight-bearing conditions in cadaveric ankles.
Main Methods:
- Eight cadaver ankle specimens were tested using an MTS machine.
- Ligament forces were measured with buckle transducers.
- Joint motion was tracked with an instrumented spatial linkage under varying ankle positions and compressive loads.
Main Results:
- The subtalar joint dominated supination-pronation (3:1) and internal-external rotation (4:1).
- ATFL tension increased with plantarflexion, especially under compressive load.
- CFL tension was highest in supination and dorsiflexion with compression.
Conclusions:
- The ATFL is a primary restraint against inversion, a common injury mechanism.
- The subtalar joint plays a critical role in ankle rotation and stability.