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calcaneofibular

calcaneofibular

9.9
A ligament that connects the heel bone to the outer lower leg bone and helps hold the ankle steady
  • noun
  • /ˌkæl.kə.ni.oʊˈfaɪ.bjʊ.lər/
  • Specialized
: ligamento calcaneofibular
  • The calcaneofibular ligament stabilizes the ankle by connecting the fibula to the heel bone.
  • calcaneofibular ligament

Examples

  • The anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments are the major ligaments that contract to resist ankle inversion.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) is the second important structure that provides ankle stability.

    Blog text (8)
  • Although the calcaneofibular ligament is rarely involved with an isolated injury, it is common to see an isolated injury to the anterior talofibular ligament (Cass & Settles, 1994).

    Academic text (2003)
  • Injury to the calcaneofibular ligament can lead to severe ankle instability.

  • Doctors often examine the calcaneofibular ligament to assess ankle joint health.

Surface Forms

Morphology

calcaneofibular = calcaneus + fibula (opaque) = calcaneo + fibula + ar

The noun sense names a specific anatomical structure using specialised combining forms and an adjectival ending; general learners are unlikely to predict it from the parts.

Etymology

The word calcaneofibular comes from calcaneus ('heel') and fibula ('thin leg bone'), and it names the ligament that joins the fibula to the heel, which is why this ligament helps keep the ankle steady.