The stabilizing effect of the ligamentous structures in the sinus and canalis tarsi on movements in the hindfoot. An experimental study.

Three-plane kinesiology of hindfoot instability was studied after lesions to the ligamentous structures in the sinus and canalis tarsi in 20 amputation specimens. Neither a lesion of the cervical ligament nor of the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament resulted in an increase in the total range of movements above 2.6 degrees in any of the three planes. However, the percentage increase in the total range of movements after cutting of the ligaments was generally largest in the talocalcaneal joint compared to the increase in the total hindfoot joint complex. The largest percentage increase (43%) in the talocalcaneal joint occurred at dorsiflexion after cutting the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament. The demonstrated minor instability after experimental lesions of the ligamentous structures in the sinus and canalis tarsi may have a clinical identity in the sinus tarsi syndrome. Patients with that syndrome rarely present an objective hindfoot instability, although a major complaint is a feeling of hindfoot instability.