LIGAMENT KINEMATICS OF THE ANKLE JOINT

In an experimental study using osteo-ligamentous preparations of ankle joints we studied the ligamentous kinematics of isolated ligement fib ers of different lateral and medial ankle ligaments. Results demonstra te a different kinematic pattern of the ligaments depending on the joi nt position. The anterior fibulo-talar ligament owns an anisometric ch aracteristic of different fibers and demonstrates a maximal ligament s train of the most anterior fiber in maximal plantarflexion; fibers loc ated more dorsally have their maximal strain in plantar-flexion of les s degress. In contrast to that the fibula-calcanear ligament demonstra tes a more isometric characteristic. At the medial side the different parts of the deltoid ligament also demonstrate a different kinematic c haracteristic. In contrast to the pars tibio-calcanearis which has a m ore isometric ligament kinematic of isolated fibers, ligament fibers o f the pars tibiotalaris posterior demonstrate an anisometric ligament kinematic. For clinical aspects an anatomically correct reconstruction of ruptured ligaments and fractures as well as an anatomic reconstruc tion in chronic unstable ankle joints is recommended.