The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of the ankle ligamen
ts in controlling the tibial rotation for different foot positions. A
6 degrees of freedom device was constructed for in vitro simulation of
this movement transfer during the support phase of gait. Tibia rotati
on angle was measured for different foot positions and vertical loads,
while the ligament integrity was modified, Data were collected from e
ight legs of four different cadavers. The results showed that vertical
loading is unimportant to influence tibial rotation, while the latera
l ankle ligaments have significant influence, especially during eversi
on. It was concluded that chronic partial or total lateral ankle insta
bility may contribute to knee and foot injuries through abnormal tibia
l rotation.