Posterior tibiotalar ligament
Pars tibiotalaris posterior
The posterior deep part of the medial (deltoid) ligament of the ankle, running from the medial malleolus back and down to the talus.
At a glance
- English
- Posterior tibiotalar ligament
- Latin (TA2)
- Pars tibiotalaris posterior
- System
- Ligament
- Region
- Foot
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the posterior tibiotalar ligament
The posterior tibiotalar ligament is one of the parts of the medial ligament of the ankle, the broad, triangular deltoid ligament on the inner side of the joint. It belongs to the deep layer of that ligament and lies at its back, behind the tibionavicular and tibiocalcaneal parts and the smaller anterior tibiotalar part.
It is a thick, strong band. Its fibres arise from the back of the medial malleolus, around the notch between its two small projections, and run backwards and downwards to the medial side of the talus. They are attached to the inner surface of the talus and to the medial tubercle of its posterior process. Because they lie so close to the joint, they blend with the capsule, and their upper surface is covered by the synovial membrane. Superficial to the ligament run the tendons of tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus as they pass behind the medial malleolus.
The posterior tibiotalar ligament is often described as the strongest single part of the deltoid ligament. With the rest of the deep layer it holds the talus against the medial malleolus, resisting forces that would tilt the talus outwards or push it to the side, and it limits eversion. Being placed behind the joint axis, it also tightens in dorsiflexion and helps stop the talus sliding backwards on the tibia.
The deltoid ligament is much less often torn than the lateral ligaments of the ankle. When it is, usually with a fracture of the fibula, the talus can shift laterally in the ankle mortise and the joint becomes unstable. Recognising damage to its deep parts, including this ligament, guides whether such fractures need fixation.
Attachments and function
- Attaches from
- The posterior part of the medial malleolus, including the intercollicular groove.
- Attaches to
- The medial surface of the talus and the medial tubercle of its posterior process.
- Function
- Holds the talus against the medial malleolus, resists lateral tilt and shift of the talus, limits eversion and becomes taut in dorsiflexion.
Anthromica
See the posterior tibiotalar ligament where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
