title: Ligaments of the posterior and lateral talar processes: MRI and MR arthrography of the ankle and posterior subtalar joint with anatomic and histologic correlation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  MRI and combined ankle and posterior subtalar MR arthrography in cadavers were used to evaluate the ligaments of the posterior and lateral talar processes. Subsequent anatomic and histologic correlation was performed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten cadaveric ankles were used. Routine radiography and MRI were initially performed. Ankle and posterior subtalar MR arthrography, followed by anatomic and histologic analysis, was then performed to allow better assessment of the ligaments of the lateral and posterior talar process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all subjects, MR arthrography provided superior delineation of the articular and periarticular structures, as well as the ligaments. The lateral talocalcaneal and medial talocalcaneal ligaments were best seen in the axial and coronal planes, respectively. The axial plane was best for visualizing the fibulotalocalcaneal ligament, and the sagittal plane was best for evaluating the posterior talocalcaneal ligament. The anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments and the posterior tibiotalar ligament (superficial and deep portions) were best seen in the axial plane. Histologic analysis was correlated to anatomic sectioning and showed the attachment sites of these ligaments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combined ankle and posterior subtalar MR arthrography enhances visualization of the ligaments attaching to the posterior and lateral talar processes, including the posterior, lateral, and medial talocalcaneal and fibulotalocalcaneal ligaments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of São Paulo, Rua Jericó, 39, Apto 42, São Paulo, SP 05435-040, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pastore
authors.forename: Giovanni G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Cerri
authors.forename: Parviz
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Haghighi
authors.forename: Debra J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Trudell
authors.forename: Donald L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Resnick
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D013380:Subtalar Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013628:Talus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*