ABSTRACT
Twenty formalin preserved lower limbs were used in this study. Fifteen limbs [13 males and 2 females] were dissected to explore the lateral collateral ligament and 5 limbs were sectioned transversely at the level of lateral malleolus. MRI studies were done on five volunteers [three males and two females] while each subject was in supine position and the foot in the neutral position. The anterior talofibular ligament was a thickening of the capsule of ankle joint. It was a broadband attached from the anterior margin of the fibula to the lateral aspect of the neck of talus. It assumed two forms, either single band or two bands fused together with a separation line. The presence of more than one band had a great importance during the surgical repair of severed talofibular ligament, not to repair only one band and miss the other. All ligaments of the fibula were attached to its anterior border or anterior surface only for the tip of lateral malleolus to be free from ligamentous insertion, which is necessary for screw-like movement of fibula on its long axis. Although the anterior talofibular ligament is a major component of the lateral collateral ligament and plays an important role in stabilizing the ankle joint, yet it is the weakest one and the first to be injured in cases of sprain of ankle joint. Different ligaments attached to the lateral malleolus were found to be very close together in order to reinforce this weak anterior talofibular ligament. The inferior extensor retinaculum was attached to the lateral malleolus very close to the anterior talofibular ligament, so this retinaculum can be used during the repair of the ligament to reinforce it