Ankle Anatomy and Radiographic Correlation: Understanding the Foundations of Joint Stability
This lecture provides a concise overview of the normal anatomy of the ankle joint and its radiographic appearance in standard X-ray projections. It explains the osseous structures—the tibia, fibula, and talus—and the ligamentous complexes that ensure joint stability, including the lateral, medial (deltoid), and syndesmotic ligaments. The session highlights how ligamentous or bony injuries can alter ankle mortise alignment and emphasizes the radiographic parameters essential for assessing ankle stability. It concludes with an explanation of the medial clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and tibiofibular clear space as key indicators of syndesmotic and deltoid ligament integrity.
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SONA Global Virtual Education Conferences, created in partnership with the Harvard Global Orthopaedics Collaborative (HGOC), are the cornerstone of this educational programming—bringing together expert faculty and evidence-based insights to advance musculoskeletal care worldwide.
Speakers
- HGOC / SONA Global
Learning objectives
- Identify the main bones and ligamentous components forming the ankle joint.
- Describe the function of lateral, medial, and syndesmotic ligaments in ankle stability.
- Recognize the radiographic projections (AP, mortise, lateral) used to evaluate ankle injuries.
- Interpret radiological signs of instability, including changes in the medial clear space and tibiofibular alignment.
- Correlate anatomical structures with common patterns of ligamentous and bony injury.