tibiocalcaneal

Tibiocalcaneal refers to a ligament of the ankle, one component of the medial deltoid ligament complex. It typically runs from the medial malleolus of the tibia to the calcaneus, often near the sustentaculum tali, and may blend with neighboring fibers such as the tibionavicular and other tibiotalar components.

Anatomy and attachments: The tibiocalcaneal ligament originates on the medial aspect of the distal tibia and extends downward and slightly posteriorly to insert on the calcaneus. Its exact course and connections can vary among individuals, and some descriptions treat it as part of a broader deep deltoid complex rather than a distinctly separate band.

Function: The ligament helps stabilize the medial ankle by resisting eversion forces and contributing to the overall support of the ankle joint and medial longitudinal arch. By linking the tibia to the calcaneus, it assists in maintaining proper talar alignment within the ankle mortise.

Clinical relevance: The tibiocalcaneal component can be injured in eversion ankle sprains or in deltoid ligament tears. Clinicians assess medial ankle stability when evaluating sprains, and imaging may be used to evaluate integrity of the deltoid complex, including the tibiocalcaneal portion.

Etymology and terminology: The name derives from tibia (tibi-) and calcaneus (calcaneal), reflecting its attachments. In some anatomical texts, it is described as part of a larger tibio-calcaneal or tibiotalocalcaneal ligamentous complex rather than as an isolated structure. See also deltoid ligament, ankle joint, sustentaculum tali, tibia, and calcaneus.