Physiological Elongation of Ligamentous Complex Surrounding the Hindfoot Joints: In Vitro Biomechanical Study

Ligaments surrounding the hindfoot joints play an important role in hindfoot stability. This in vitro study investigated anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of nine major ligamentous structures, including length and orientation at neutral position and physiological elongation with the foot in five different positions relative to the neutral position. The results showed that ligament elongation depended on the ligament length, orientation in neutral position, and movement of bones to which they were attached.