Accessory anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 15 Sep 2021

The accessory anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (accessory AITFL), also known as Bassett's ligament, is an anatomical variant present in many ankles. Pathological thickening of the accessory ligament is seen in the setting of inversion injury that causing the pain due to mild anterior instability and anterior impingement 1.

Gross anatomy

The accessory anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament is a distal separate fascicle located parallel and just distal to the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), also attaching to the tibia and fibula.

Related pathology

Variations in the length, width, and obliquity course of the Bassett’s ligament may cause in pathology. Wider and longer fascicles, as well as fibular attachment far from the joint level, are the factors that potentially increased the risk.

Anterior and anterolateral talar dome chondral abrasion is associated with pathologic accessory AITFL.

Moreover, the presence of abnormally thickened Bassett’s ligament is related to the superolateral talar dome lesion that resulting in the cartilage abrasion.

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