Effect of the calcaneofibular ligament on hindfoot rotation in amputation specimens.

A kinesiologic study of the range of rotation in the hindfoot after cutting of the calcaneofibular ligament was performed in amputation specimens. Cutting of the calcaneofibular ligament results in a significant increment in the external rotation of the tibial-talocalcaneal joint complex and the talocalcaneal joint, maximum 5.4 degrees and 2.9 degrees, respectively. The total range of rotation in the tibial-talocalcaneal joint complex and the talocalcaneal joint increased 32 and 20 per cent, respectively. The calcaneofibular ligament is an important structure in the rotatory stabilization of the hindfoot.