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AnatomyLower limbAnkle and footAnterior talofibular ligament
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AnatomyLower limbAnkle and footAnterior talofibular ligament

Anterior talofibular ligament

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Ankle joint [15:51]
Bones and ligaments that form the ankle joint.
Anterior talofibular ligament
Ligamentum talofibulare anterius
Synonyms: Ligamentum fibiotalare anterius

The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is one of three ligaments that comprise the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle, alongside the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament. The ATFL extends between the anterior margin of the lateral malleolus of the fibula to the lateral aspect of the neck of the talus. 

The ATFL provides passive stability to the ankle joint and resists inversion and plantar flexion.

The lateral collateral ligament is not as strong as the deltoid ligament on the medial aspect of the ankle. As such, inversion sprains of the ankle are much more common. During inversion sprains, the ATFL, being the weakest of the three ligaments comprising the lateral collateral ligament, is the most vulnerable to partial or complete tears.

Terminology English: Anterior talofibular ligament
Latin: Ligamentum talofibulare anterius
Location Between lateral malleolus of fibula and neck of the talus
Function Resists inversion and plantar flexion

Learn more about the ankle joint with this study unit:

Ankle joint Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Sinnatamby, Chummy S. Last's Anatomy E-Book: Last's Anatomy E-Book, Elsevier Health Sciences, 2011.
  • Standring, S., Anand, N., & Tunstall, R. (2021). Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice (Forty-second edition). Elsevier.

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