Which ligament is located on the medial side of the ankle and commonly palpated?

• A. Deltoid ligament
• B. ATF ligament
• C. PTF ligament
• D. Calcaneofibular ligament

Answer: (A)

On the medial side of the ankle the major stabilizer is the deltoid ligament, a broad, strong fan-shaped complex that runs from the medial malleolus to several tarsal bones (including the sustenaculum tali of the calcaneus, the navicular, and the talus). It provides resistance to eversion and to external rotation of the foot. Because it lies directly along the medial malleolus, it is the structure that clinicians typically palpate when examining the inner ankle for tenderness or injury.

In contrast, the ligaments on the lateral side—the anterior talofibular, posterior talofibular, and calcaneofibular ligaments—anchor the lateral malleolus and are more commonly assessed in inversion injuries. Their locations and functions are different, which is why the medial palpation points to the deltoid ligament as the correct answer.