Joints and ligaments · Lower limb
Talonavicular ligament !
The talonavicular ligament is a thin band over the top of the joint between the talus and the navicular, in the midfoot.
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What it is
A thin, broad band over the top of the joint between the talus and the navicular.
What it does
Reinforces the top of this joint, which moves a lot when the foot turns in and out.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Dorsal talar neck to dorsal surface of navicular
- Function
- Reinforces dorsal capsule of talonavicular joint
- Tight in
- Plantarflexion of foot
Relations
- Superficial
- Dorsalis pedis artery and deep fibular nerve, with the extensor hallucis longus tendon medially and the toe extensor tendons laterally, under the inferior extensor retinaculum
- Deep
- Talar head and the navicular
- Below
- Spring ligament, which supports the talar head from below
- Lateral
- Bifurcate ligament
How to find it
On the top of the foot in front of the ankle. With the foot gently turned in and out, the talar head is felt moving under the fingers just in front of the ankle, more prominent medially when the foot is everted; the navicular tuberosity marks the joint line medially.
On imaging
Lateral foot X-ray: dorsal avulsion flakes in midfoot sprains. A 'talar beak' (a dorsal spur at the talar head) is different: it is a traction sign of tarsal coalition, not an avulsion.
Clinical notes
- Chopart joint sprains and dislocations involve this ligament and are often missed
- The dorsal approach to the talonavicular joint must protect the neurovascular bundle that crosses over it
- Talonavicular arthritis or fusion has a large effect on the gait because of the coupling with the subtalar joint
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which joint does the talonavicular ligament reinforce, and which larger joint is it part of?
The dorsal capsule of the talonavicular joint, the medial half of the Chopart (transverse tarsal) joint.
Why does fusion of the talonavicular joint have such a large effect on gait?
It removes most hindfoot inversion and eversion, because the talonavicular joint is coupled to the subtalar joint.
On a lateral foot X-ray, how does a dorsal avulsion flake of the talonavicular ligament differ from a «talar beak»?
The flake is an avulsion after forced plantarflexion; a talar beak is a dorsal spur at the talar head, a traction sign of tarsal coalition.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ligamentum talonaviculare TA2 1936
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Ligamento talonavicular
- English (TA2)
- Talonavicular ligament
- Also called
- ligamentum talonaviculare dorsale
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot Joints.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
