From the Research
The deltoid ligament is a complex structure with an origin at the medial malleolus, spreading fan-shaped distally with an insertion into the medial side of the talus, calcaneus, and navicular bone, as described in the most recent study 1. The anatomy of the deltoid ligament is crucial for understanding its function and role in ankle stability.
- The deltoid ligament consists of two layers: a superficial layer and a deep layer.
- The superficial layer has three components: the tibionavicular part, the tibiocalcaneal part, and the tibiospring part.
- The deep layer contains the anterior and posterior tibiotalar parts, which connect the tibia to the talus. The primary function of the deltoid ligament is to provide stability to the medial ankle and prevent excessive eversion of the foot, as supported by the study 2.
- The deltoid ligament is thicker and stronger than the lateral ligaments of the ankle, which explains why lateral ankle sprains are more common than medial ones.
- The deltoid ligament receives its blood supply from branches of the posterior tibial and medial malleolar arteries, while its innervation comes from the tibial nerve. Understanding the anatomy of the deltoid ligament is essential for properly diagnosing and treating medial ankle injuries and instability, as highlighted in the study 3.
- The deltoid ligament plays a key role in ankle stability, and its injury can lead to chronic instability and ankle osteoarthritis.
- The study 4 also emphasizes the importance of considering the deltoid ligament complex in the diagnosis and treatment of lateral ligament instability.