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# Talocalcaneal ligaments

The talocalcaneal ligaments are small bands around the joint just below the ankle, holding the talus to the heel bone.

Official name: Lateral talocalcaneal ligament

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## What it is

Small ligaments around the subtalar joint, between the talus and the heel bone.

## What it does

Hold the two bones together while the foot tilts in and out.

## Key points

- Thin capsular bands of the posterior subtalar joint; most subtalar stability comes from the interosseous and cervical ligaments and the CFL
- The lateral talocalcaneal ligament runs just in front of and deep to the CFL and is often torn with it
- The posterior and medial talocalcaneal ligaments arise from the two tubercles of the [talus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/talus/), on either side of the flexor hallucis longus groove

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Lateral, medial and posterior talocalcaneal ligaments around the posterior subtalar joint

**Function**
Reinforce the subtalar [joint capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-capsule-of-knee-joint/)

## Relations

**Lateral**
CFL superficial to the lateral talocalcaneal ligament; further out, the [fibularis longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibularis-longus-muscle/) and brevis tendons

**Medial**
[Flexor hallucis longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-hallucis-longus/) tendon passing between the talar tubercles and under the sustentaculum tali; the tibiocalcaneal fibres of the [deltoid ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/medial-collateral-ligament-of-ankle/) lie superficial

**Behind**
Kager's fat pad and, further back, the [Achilles tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneal-tendon/)

## How to find it

Not palpable as separate bands. The lateral ligament is found just in front of and deep to the [calcaneofibular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneofibular-ligament/) once the fibular tendons are drawn aside; the posterior and medial ones lie either side of the flexor hallucis longus groove, as seen in posterior ankle arthroscopy.

## On imaging

Too thin to assess well on routine imaging; MRI shows subtalar capsular injury and fluid. Lateral X-rays show posterior process fractures or an os trigonum at their attachments.

## Clinical notes

- Fractures of the posterior process of the talus can be avulsions through these ligaments: lateral tubercle (Shepherd fracture) or medial tubercle (Cedell fracture)
- Subtalar sprains often go with lateral ankle sprains and can explain lasting hindfoot pain or giving way
- In posterior hindfoot endoscopy the flexor hallucis longus tendon is the safety line: the work stays lateral to it, because the [tibial nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibial-nerve/) and posterior tibial vessels lie just medial

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which ligaments are the talocalcaneal ligaments around the posterior subtalar joint?

The lateral, medial and posterior talocalcaneal ligaments, thin bands reinforcing the capsule.

## Which ligament is often torn together with the lateral talocalcaneal ligament?

The CFL, which lies just superficial to it.

## What are the Shepherd and Cedell fractures?

Avulsions of the posterior process of the talus through these ligaments: lateral tubercle (Shepherd) or medial tubercle (Cedell).

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
ligamentum talocalcaneum laterale; ligamentum talocalcaneum mediale; ligamentum talocalcaneum posterius TA2 1925

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Ligamentos talocalcáneos DeCS D013380

**English (TA2)**
Lateral talocalcaneal ligament

**Also called**
ligamentum talocalcaneare fibulare

## Related

- [Talocalcaneal interosseous ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/talocalcaneal-interosseous-ligament/)
- [Calcaneus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneus/)
- [Talus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/talus/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=23032&filter=ths_termall&q=Articulaci%C3%B3n%20Talocalc%C3%A1nea); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot Joints](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536941/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Intertarsal Articulations (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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