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Dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament

The dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament is a short, flat ligament that reinforces the dorsal aspect of the calcaneocuboid joint, part of the midtarsal (Chopart) joint complex. It extends between the calcaneus and cuboid bones, stabilizing the lateral column of the foot.

Though smaller than the plantar ligaments, the dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament plays a supportive role in joint integrity, restricting abnormal motion and contributing to the stability of the lateral longitudinal arch.

Synonyms

  • Dorsal calcaneocuboid band

  • Dorsal ligament of the calcaneocuboid joint

Origin, Course, and Insertion

  • Origin: Dorsal surface of the calcaneus, just anterior to the posterior articular surface

  • Course: Runs transversely forward across the dorsal aspect of the calcaneocuboid joint

  • Insertion: Dorsal surface of the cuboid bone near its posterior margin

Relations

  • Superiorly: Dorsal soft tissues of the foot and extensor tendons

  • Inferiorly: Calcaneocuboid joint capsule and plantar ligaments

  • Medially: Dorsal cuneocuboid and interosseous ligaments

  • Laterally: Extensor digitorum brevis muscle and lateral tarsal structures

Function

  • Stabilization: Reinforces the dorsal surface of the calcaneocuboid joint

  • Restriction of motion: Limits excessive dorsal displacement and translation of the cuboid

  • Arch support: Contributes to stability of the lateral longitudinal arch

  • Secondary role: Works with plantar calcaneocuboid and long plantar ligaments to maintain midfoot stability

Clinical Significance

  • Sprains and tears: Rare in isolation, usually part of midfoot (Chopart) sprains or complex lateral foot injuries

  • Associations: May be injured in high-energy trauma, inversion injuries, or subtalar dislocations

  • Symptoms: Lateral midfoot pain, swelling, tenderness over calcaneocuboid joint

  • Chronic instability: May contribute to lateral column collapse if left untreated

  • Imaging role: MRI is best for detecting ligament tears, while CT helps assess associated fractures

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted images:

    • Normal ligament: low signal (dark band) connecting calcaneus and cuboid

    • Adjacent fat planes: bright, outlining ligament clearly

    • Partial tear: focal thickening or irregular intermediate signal

    • Complete tear: discontinuity or non-visualization of the ligament

  • T2-weighted images:

    • Normal: thin, dark low-signal band

    • Sprain/partial tear: bright hyperintense signal within ligament fibers

    • Complete tear: fluid-filled gap replacing ligament band

    • Surrounding edema in acute injuries appears hyperintense

  • STIR:

    • Normal: dark

    • Pathology: bright hyperintense signal in torn ligament and adjacent soft tissues

    • Highlights edema, hematoma, and inflammatory changes

  • Proton Density Fat-Saturated (PD FS):

    • Normal: uniform low signal

    • Pathology: bright signal clefts or diffuse thickening within ligament

    • Very sensitive for detecting partial tears and edema

  • T1 Fat-Sat Post-Contrast:

    • Normal: minimal or no enhancement

    • Pathology: torn or inflamed ligament enhances diffusely or peripherally

    • Post-surgical or chronic scar tissue may enhance irregularly

CT Appearance

Non-Contrast CT:

  • Ligament itself poorly visualized (thin soft-tissue band)

  • Indirect signs: joint space widening, cortical irregularities, small avulsion fragments

  • Helpful in acute trauma to assess associated calcaneal or cuboid fractures

Post-Contrast CT:

  • Ligament remains indistinct, but periligamentous inflammatory changes may enhance

  • Limited value compared to MRI

MRI images

Dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament axial cross sectional anatomy 3T MRI AI enhanced radiology image-img-00000-00000

MRI images

Dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament coronal cross sectional anatomy 3T MRI AI enhanced radiology image-img-00000-00000