Home › Body Atlas › Joints › Posterior Ankle Recess

Posterior Ankle Recess

recessus posterior articulationis talocruralis

The posterior ankle recess is the synovial extension of the ankle joint between the posterior talar dome and the posterior capsule, posterior to the posterior tibiofibular ligament and the inferior transverse ligament. It is accessed during posterior ankle arthroscopy and may contain loose bodies, synovitis, and posterior impingement lesions.

Region: Lower Leg

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The posterior ankle recess is the target for posterior ankle arthroscopy via the posterolateral and posteromedial portals, used for os trigonum excision, FHL tendon release, posterior impingement debridement, and posterior ankle loose body removal. Posterior ankle pain in maximal plantarflexion with a positive posterolateral ankle impingement test indicates posterior recess pathology. The posterior recess communicates with the peroneal tendon sheath in some individuals.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome

Pain from soft tissue or bony compression in the posterior ankle recess during plantarflexion, caused by os trigonum, posterior talar process hypertrophy, or FHL tenosynovitis, treated by posterior ankle arthroscopy.