Comparison of the Distributions of Mechanoreceptors in the Three Parts of ATFL (Fibula Attach, Mid- Substance, Talar Attach)

CATEGORY: Basic Sciences/Biologics; Ankle INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: To investigate the functional characteristics of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in the ankle, we divided the ligament into three parts and compare the distribution of mechanoreceptors in each part by type. METHODS: The ATFL were obtained from 20 ankles of 10 fresh-frozen cadavers. The ligament was divided into three parts: fibula attach, mid-substance, and talar attach. Historically, mechanoreceptors were identified and classified as Ruffini (type I), Vater-Pacini (type II), Golgi-Mazzoni (type III) corpuscle, Free nerve ending (type IV). Difference in receptor density were compared. RESULTS: The ATFL were obtained from 20 ankles of 10 fresh-frozen cadavers. The ligament was divided into three parts: fibula attach, mid-substance, and talar attach. Historically, mechanoreceptors were identified and classified as Ruffini (type I), Vater-Pacini (type II), Golgi-Mazzoni (type III) corpuscle, Free nerve ending (type IV). Difference in receptor density were compared. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the densities of the four types of mechanoreceptors among the three parts of the ATFL.