The dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament is a broad flat band connecting the dorsal surface of the calcaneus to the dorsal surface of the cuboid across the calcaneocuboid joint (the lateral component of the Chopart joint). It reinforces the dorsal calcaneocuboid joint capsule and contributes to the bifurcate ligament complex at the dorsolateral midfoot. It is the dorsal counterpart to the longer plantar calcaneocuboid ligament (short plantar ligament).
Provides dorsal stability to the calcaneocuboid joint, limiting dorsal cuboid subluxation; contributes to lateral midfoot stability; works with the cervical, interosseous, and bifurcate ligaments to maintain the lateral column integrity of the midfoot.
The dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament is disrupted in lateral ankle sprains extending to involve the Chopart joint, producing a midtarsal sprain with tenderness at the calcaneocuboid joint line (lateral to the ATFL and CFL). Calcaneocuboid joint dislocation requires reduction of the dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament to restore joint congruity. The dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament is divided during calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis for correction of the lateral column in flatfoot surgery.
Lateral ankle inversion sprain extending to the Chopart joint tears the dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament producing midfoot pain lateral to the typical ankle sprain location; point tenderness at the calcaneocuboid joint dorsum and MRI ligament signal abnormality with bone bruising at the calcaneocuboid joint surfaces confirm the extended sprain.
