The malleolar fossa is a deep pit on the inner back part of the lateral malleolus, the bony bump on the outside of the ankle. It lies just behind the smooth facet where the malleolus meets the talus. The posterior talofibular ligament, one of the three lateral ankle ligaments, arises from it, and the posterior tibiofibular and transverse tibiofibular ligaments attach nearby.
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| Ossification | Part of the distal fibula, which ossifies from a secondary centre appearing in the first or second year of life and fusing at about 15-17 years. |
The malleolar fossa marks the origin of the posterior talofibular ligament, the strongest and least often torn of the lateral ankle ligaments; it usually tears only in severe sprains or ankle dislocation. In ankle fractures involving the back of the lateral malleolus, surgeons place screws and plates with this fossa and the nearby fibular groove for the peroneal tendons in mind.
Rupture of the ligament arising from the malleolar fossa, seen with severe lateral ankle sprains and ankle dislocations.
A fracture of the outer ankle bone that may involve the posterior part around the malleolar fossa and its ligament attachments.
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