1. Lower Limb Osteology Flashcards
Learning Objective
1LO. Identify and name the bones of the pelvic girdle and lower limb and various anatomical structures on them
Summary:
Pelvic girdle: Hip bones (ilium, ischium, pubis), sacrum, coccyx.
Thigh: Femur
Leg: Tibia (medial), Fibula (lateral)
Patella
Foot: 7 tarsals (talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, 3 cuneiforms), 5 metatarsals, 14 phalanges
1Qs. Which of the following bones does not articulate directly with the femur?
The fibula does not articulate with the femur; it articulates with the tibia and the talus.
1Qs. The fovea on the head of the femur serves as an attachment for:
The fovea is a depression for attachment of the ligamentum teres.
1Qs. Which of the following tarsal bones is located most medially in the distal row?
The medial cuneiform is the most medial in the distal tarsal row.
2LO. Identify the bony landmarks of the lower limb
- Pelvis: ASIS, pubic tubercle, iliac crest
- Femur: Greater/lesser trochanters, intertrochanteric line and crest, condyles
- Tibia: Tibial tuberosity, condyles, intercondylar eminence
- Patella: Base, apex, articular surfaces
- Fibula: Head, lateral malleolus
- Foot: Talus (trochlea, head), calcaneus (tuberosity)
2Qs.The anatomical landmark used to identify the L4 vertebral level is
The iliac crest aligns with L4 spinous process or L4/5 disc.
2Qs. Which of the following bony features forms part of the acetabular fossa?
Acetabular labrum
B. Lunate surface
C. Acetabular notch,
All are integral components of the acetabulum.
2Qs. The medial malleolus is a projection of which bone?
The medial malleolus is part of the distal tibia.
3LO. Describe the features of joints of the lower limb (Capsule, ligaments, bursae and movements)
- Hip joint: Ball and socket; strong capsule, acetabular labrum, iliofemoral (strongest), pubofemoral, ischiofemoral ligaments
- Knee joint: Hinge; cruciate ligaments (ACL, PCL), collateral ligaments (MCL, LCL), menisci, multiple bursae (e.g. suprapatellar)
- Ankle joint: Hinge; deltoid (medial), lateral ligaments (ATFL, PTFL, CFL)
3Qs.Which of the following ligaments is most likely to be injured during forced abduction of the hip?
The pubofemoral ligament resists abduction.
3Qs. Which bursa is in direct communication with the knee joint cavity?
The suprapatellar bursa communicates with the joint cavity.
3Qs. The anterior cruciate ligament primarily prevents:
ACL prevents forward movement of the tibia on the femur.
4LO. Explain anatomical differences between the glenohumeral and hip joints with regard to mobility and stability
- Hip joint: Deep socket (acetabulum), strong capsule and ligaments → high stability, less mobility
- Glenohumeral joint: Shallow socket (glenoid fossa), loose capsule → high mobility, less stability
- Hip labrum vs glenoid labrum (both fibrocartilage)
- Greater muscular and ligamentous reinforcement in hip
4Qs Which of the following contributes most to the increased stability of the hip joint compared to the shoulder?
The deep acetabulum enhances joint congruency and stability.
4Qs Which joint allows greater freedom of movement?
Glenohumeral
4Qs What is the primary mechanical role of the iliofemoral ligament?
The iliofemoral ligament is taut in extension, preventing hyperextension.
5LO.Identify anatomical structures on normal medical images
- X-ray identification: Femur head, neck, greater/lesser trochanters, Shenton’s line, acetabulum, condyles
- MRI: Menisci, cruciate ligaments, joint space
- Ankle/foot radiographs: Talus, calcaneus, malleoli, navicular, cuneiforms
5Qs. Disruption of Shenton’s line on an AP hip x-ray most commonly suggests:
Shenton’s line should be smooth; disruption suggests dislocation or femoral neck fracture.
5Qs.On a lateral x-ray of the knee, which of the following is most posterior?
The femoral condyles project posteriorly in lateral views.
5Qs.On a sagittal MRI of the knee, the structure connecting posterior tibia to medial femoral condyle is:
The PCL runs from posterior tibia to medial femoral condyle.
