# Sex differences in the dynamics of the distance between the talus and lateral malleolus during the stance phase of gait

## TL;DR

This study found that the distance between the talus and lateral malleolus during walking differs between males and females, with females showing greater widening during specific gait phases.

## Contribution

The study introduces a noninvasive method to quantify sex-based differences in ankle joint dynamics during gait.

## Key findings

- The distance between the talus and lateral malleolus widened after initial contact and during the stance cycle in all participants.
- Females exhibited significantly wider distances during early and terminal stance phases compared to males.
- These findings may help in early detection of ankle abnormalities and understanding chronic ankle instability risks.

## Abstract

This study aimed to assess the dynamics of the distance between the talus and lateral malleolus during the stance phase of gait and confirm any sex differences.

The distance between the talus and lateral malleolus was quantified during gait in 25 healthy participants. Noninvasive ultrasound with three-dimensional motion analysis was used to assess the kinematic properties during the walking stance phase.

The distance between the talus and lateral malleolus widened immediately after initial contact, narrowed during mid-stance, and widened during the stance cycle in all participants. The distance was significantly wider in females, especially during the early and terminal stance phases, contributing to differences in sagittal mobility.

Quantitative measurement of the anterior talofibular ligament attachment distance may aid in the early detection of ankle abnormalities. The dynamic characteristics observed in females during gait may be associated with chronic ankle instability or osteoarthritis risk.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10396-025-01577-6.