The dorsal talonavicular ligament is a broad, flat ligamentous band running across the dorsal surface of the talonavicular joint, connecting the dorsal talar neck to the dorsal navicular. It is weaker than the plantar calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament and provides dorsal restraint to the talonavicular joint. The extensor tendons and the dorsalis pedis vessels cross superficial to it.
Provides dorsal stability to the talonavicular joint, limiting excessive plantar flexion and preventing dorsal subluxation of the talar head from the navicular during forefoot loading; contributes to midfoot stability alongside the spring ligament below and the extensor retinaculum above.
The dorsal talonavicular ligament is torn in midfoot sprains and in Chopart joint (midtarsal joint) dislocations. Isolated dorsal talonavicular ligament tears produce dorsal midfoot pain and swelling after forced plantarflexion inversion injuries. MRI identifies the ligament tear and associated navicular contusion. In flatfoot surgery, the talonavicular joint is the primary joint reduced and fused in severe deformity — the dorsal talonavicular ligament is divided during talonavicular joint preparation for arthrodesis.
Forced forefoot plantarflexion and inversion tears the dorsal talonavicular ligament at the Chopart joint (talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints), producing dorsal midfoot pain and tenderness over the talonavicular joint line; MRI confirms the ligament tear and any associated navicular bone bruising.
