Morphological study of mechanoreceptors in collateral ligaments of the ankle joint

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the pattern and types of sensory nerve endings in ankle collateral ligaments using histological techniques, in order to observe the morphology and distribution of mechanoreceptors in the collateral ligaments of cadaver ankle joint, and to provide the morphological evidence for the role of the ligament in joint sensory function.MethodsTwelve lateral collateral ligaments including anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL; n = 6), posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL; n = 6), and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL; n = 6) were harvested from six fresh frozen cadavers. The ligaments were embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 4 μm, and then stained using a modified gold-chloride staining methods. The collateral ligament was divided into three segments: proximal, middle, and distal segments. Fifty-four ATFL slides, 90 PTFL slides, and 108 CFL slides were analyzed. Mechanoreceptors were classified based on Freemen and Wyke’s classification. Mechanoreceptor distribution was analyzed statistically. One-way ANOVA (postHoc LSD) was used for statistical analysis.ResultsAll the four typical types of nerve endings (the Ruffini corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Golgi tendon organs, and free nerve endings) were identified in these ligaments. Pacinian corpuscles were the predominant in all four complexes. More mechanoreceptors were found in synovial membrane near both ends of the ligaments attached to the bone. No statistical differences were found in the amount of mechanoreceptors among distal, middle, and proximal parts of the ligaments.ConclusionsThe four typical types of mechanoreceptors were all identified in the collateral ligaments of the human ankle. Pacinian corpuscles were the predominant in all four complexes. This indicates that the main function of ankle collateral ligaments is to sense joint speeds in motions.

Postural stability and lower leg muscle activity during a diagonal single-leg landing differs in male collegiate soccer players with and without functional ankle instability

“…Additionally, an impaired organ of proprioception is also considered one of the causes for postural stability deficit. Some mechanoreceptors have been identified in the lateral ligaments of the human ankle 36) . Damage to the mechanoreceptor decreases afferent nerve activities, and subsequently affects muscle activity for stabilizing ankle perturbation.…”

Proprioception and neuromuscular control after the modified Broström procedure at the timing of a return to sports: A retrospective study

“…Although the reason for this result is unclear, it can likely be explained by mechanoreceptors. Mechanoreceptors are sensory receptors located in the ligaments that provide sensory information from external stimuli [35], and they include Pacinian corpuscles (rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors) and Ruffini endings and Golgi tendon organs (slow-adapting mechanoreceptors) [36]. Recent studies have reported that compared with Ruffini endings and Golgi tendon organs, Pacinian corpuscles predominate in the lateral ligaments of the human ankle [35,37], which make them especially capable of detecting motion and dynamic sense.…”

“…Mechanoreceptors are sensory receptors located in the ligaments that provide sensory information from external stimuli [35], and they include Pacinian corpuscles (rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors) and Ruffini endings and Golgi tendon organs (slow-adapting mechanoreceptors) [36]. Recent studies have reported that compared with Ruffini endings and Golgi tendon organs, Pacinian corpuscles predominate in the lateral ligaments of the human ankle [35,37], which make them especially capable of detecting motion and dynamic sense. Therefore, loss of mechanoreceptors can affect dynamic postural stability in the dynamic balance test and SEBT [35,37], but it does not necessarily affect static postural stability.…”

“…Recent studies have reported that compared with Ruffini endings and Golgi tendon organs, Pacinian corpuscles predominate in the lateral ligaments of the human ankle [35,37], which make them especially capable of detecting motion and dynamic sense. Therefore, loss of mechanoreceptors can affect dynamic postural stability in the dynamic balance test and SEBT [35,37], but it does not necessarily affect static postural stability. Another possible reason for this result may be the insufficient recovery of ligaments.…”

Mechanoreceptor profile of the lateral collateral ligament complex in the human elbow

“… 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 Active restraint for the elbow joint is provided by the soft tissue component, which consists of the musculoligamentous complex. 1 Many authors 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 have provided information on the mechanoreceptors of the shoulder, knee, and ankle, which are less stable and thus protected by many ligaments and a thick capsule. However, the role of the ligament-muscular protective reflex of the elbow has not recently been considered due to its stable bony structure.…”