Comparative Study on Anatomy of Carpal Ligaments and Pedal Ligaments

Objective:To compare the anatomy of carpal and pedal ligaments for clinical reference. Methods:34 adult wrists and 24 feet were used in this study and dissected. The origination,insertion,course and neighboring relations of these carpal and pedal ligaments were observed,their length,width,and thickness were measured,their shape and function were compared. Results:Both carpal and pedal ligaments could be classified into dorsal,palmar (tarsal) and interosseous systems. The palmar (tarsal) ligaments were stronger than the dorsal; the pedal ligaments were stronger than the carpal; the V shape arrangement of ligaments,which be helpful to stress assimilation,existed in both wrist and foot. Conclusions:The form and function of carpal ligaments and pedal ligaments are tightly correlated with each other. The repair and reconstruction procedures should be based on the understanding of their anatomical characteristics.