Assistant
Section Name
Section Text
Definition
By Gregory R. Waryasz, MD
The medial deltoid ligament of the musculoskeletal system is characterized by being the medial support complex of the ankle. The medial ligament complex is much stronger than the lateral ligament complex. The continuous ligaments are the tibionavicular, tibiocalcaneal, anterior tibiotalar, and the posterior tibiotalar.
It is part of the ankle joint. It consists of fibrous dense regular connective tissue of collagen fibers.
Its unique structural feature is that it is two layers; superficial and deep. The ligament is triangular in shape. The origin is at the apex at the medial malleolus and the insertions are in the calcaneus, talus, and navicular. The superficial component has three parts. Parts of the superficial component extend to the navicular anteriorly, to the sustentaculum inferiorly, and posteriorly to the talar body. The deep component extends into two parts from the medial malleolus to the talar body inferior to the medial facet.
The medial deltoid ligament as well as all other bones, muscles, and ligaments of the body are derived of mesodermal origin in the embryo.
The function of the medial deltoid ligament is to stabilize the ankle during eversion. It also prevents subluxation of the ankle. The superficial component offers little stability to the ankle. The deep portion is the primary medial stabilizer.
Common diseases include ligament tears/sprains and fractures.
Commonly used diagnostic procedures include clinical history, physical exam, and MRI.
It is usually treated with physical therapy and NSAIDs for sprains. Fractures and dislocations are often treated with surgery.
References
Elstrom J, Virkus W, Pankovich (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), McGraw Hill, New York, NY, 2006.
Koval K, Zuckerman J (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.
Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.
Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.