Anterolateral recess of the ankle joint

The anterolateral recess of the ankle joint also known as the anterolateral gutter is a triangular or pyramidal formed topographical space of the anterolateral aspect of the ankle .

Gross anatomy

The space may contain joint fluid in asymptomatic individuals and is defined by the following anatomical structures :

Boundaries
  • posteromedially: the anterolateral surface of the tibial plafond, anterolateral talar dome with the articular surface for the lateral malleolus
  • posterolaterally: fibula and articular surface of the lateral malleolus
  • superiorly: anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL)
  • anteriorly: anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
  • inferiorly: calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)

Related pathology