The deltoid ligament attaches the medial malleolus to multiple tarsal bones. Unlike the
superficial layer of this ligament, the deep layer is intraarticular and is covered by synovium.
Anatomically, in general, the superficial components arise from the anterior colliculus of the
medial malleolus, and the deep components arise from the intercollicular groove
(malleolar groove) and the posterior colliculus of the medial malleolus.
The superficial deltoid originates from the anterior & inferior aspects of medial malleolus
fanning out & sending 3 bands to navicular and along plantar calcaneonavicular (spring)
ligament, to sustenaculum tali of calcaneus and to medial tubercle. It is also partially covered
by tendon sheaths & crural fascia. It primarily resists eversion of hindfoot; Tibionavicular
portion suspends spring lig & prevents inward displacement of head of talus, while
tibiocalcaneal portion prevents valgus displacement.
The deep deltoid originates on posterior border of anterior colliculus, intercollicular groove,
& posterior colliculus. It is oriented transversely & inserts into the entire nonarticular surface
of medial talus. Deep deltoid extends the function of the medial malleolus, prevents
lateral displacement of talus & prevents external rotation of the talus (this is mostly significant
in plantar flexion, when deep deltoid tends to pull talus into internal rotation).
Medial ankle stability is provided by the strong deltoid ligament, the anterior tibiofibular ligament
and the bony mortise. Because of the bony articulation between the medial malleolus and the
talus, medial ankle sprains are less common than lateral sprains. In medial ankle sprains,
the mechanism of injury is excessive eversion and dorsiflexion.
Isolated deltoid ligament injuries are extremely rare and usually occur in combination with
fractures of the lateral malleolus. These are treated by recognizing the injury complex and
stabilizing the lateral side, being sure that the mortise is reduced.
Please visit for consultation and treatment
Pusat Rawatan Tradisi Wong
14 Jalan Lapangan Siber 1 Bnadar Cyber 31350 Ipoh Tel:0124520077
