[Changes in pressure and contact surface of the talar joint surface in various foot angle positions and following stepwise division of the fibular ligaments--an experimental study].

Pressure and area of contact curves of the ankle joint were determined in various degrees of flexion and with the external ligaments in different states of severance or division, using five ankle joint preparations as basis. The largest contact area and most uniform pressure distribution were seen if the ankle was in normal position and at a plantar flexion of five degrees. After injury of the external ligaments there was either a reduction of the area of contact associated with a pressure increase, or an increase of the area of contact associated with an inhomogeneous pressure distribution. The greatest loss in area of contact and pressure increase occurred after lesion of the fibular ligaments in supination and supination/plantar flexion of the foot. The moment of rotation for supinatory forces applied to the margin of the foot, increased continuously in that case.