What ligament structure supports the lateral aspect of the ankle?

The lateral aspect of the ankle is primarily supported by the lateral ligament complex, which consists of three main ligaments: the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, and the posterior talofibular ligament. These ligaments work together to stabilize the ankle joint during movements and resist excessive inversion, which is a common mechanism of injury for ankle sprains.

The anterior talofibular ligament is the most frequently injured of the three, often affected in traumatic events where the foot rolls inward. The calcaneofibular ligament helps to provide additional stability when the foot is in a neutral position. The posterior talofibular ligament contributes to the support of the joint when the ankle is dorsiflexed but is less commonly involved in injuries compared to the anterior and calcaneofibular ligaments.

In contrast, the medial ligament (or deltoid ligament) provides support to the medial aspect of the ankle, while the interosseous ligament is located between the tibia and fibula, playing a role in stabilizing the syndesmosis but not specifically supporting the lateral ankle. Therefore, the lateral ligament complex is indeed the correct structure for supporting the lateral aspect of the ankle.