Plantar Calcaneocuboid Ligament, Plantar View

Description

Seen from the plantar aspect of the male foot, the plantar calcaneocuboid ligament (ligamentum calcaneocuboideum plantare, long plantar ligament) spans from the anterior plantar surface of the calcaneus to the plantar aspect of the cuboid, lying superficial to the calcaneocuboid joint line. Its short, dense fibers run anterolaterally, forming a stout band that sits inferior to the lateral column and distal to the subtalar region. Adjacent bony landmarks include the calcaneal tuberosity posteriorly, the cuboid groove for the fibularis (peroneus) longus tendon on the plantar cuboid, and the proximal bases of the fourth and fifth metatarsals distally. Weight-bearing anatomy. Clinically, this ligament is a key static restraint of the calcaneocuboid articulation and a major support of the longitudinal arch, so plantar failure or elongation contributes to lateral column collapse and a planovalgus pattern seen in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It also frames the cuboid tunnel, where fibularis longus tendon irritation can coexist with calcaneocuboid joint degeneration after recurrent inversion sprain. For surgeons performing lateral column lengthening (Evans osteotomy) or approaching the calcaneocuboid joint for arthrodesis, the plantar calcaneocuboid ligament and its relationship to the cuboid and 4th to 5th tarsometatarsal region define both exposure and the structures at risk. Use this plantar view for teaching hindfoot and midfoot ligament anatomy in gross anatomy, podiatric biomechanics, and orthopaedic foot and ankle modules, or for illustrating lateral midfoot pain syndromes and surgical approaches in clinical atlases and operative technique chapters. It also reads well as an orientation figure alongside MRI or ultrasound discussions of the calcaneocuboid joint and fibularis longus tendon. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.