Anatomy - The Foot & Ankle

Question 1

Talocrural joint

Answer 1

Large joint between distal end of tibia + fibula and superior surface of the talus

Question 2

What kind of joint is the talocrural joint

Answer 2

Hinge joint - flexion (plantarflexion) and extension (dorsiflexion)

Question 3

How is the talocrural joint a close packed joint

Answer 3

Talus is wider anteriorly than posteriorly so when in dorsiflexion, wider part of talus sits on tibia and fibula

Question 4

When is the talocrural joint loose packed

Answer 4

When in plantar flexion, the more narrow part of the talus sits on tibia + fibula
Less stable - more likely to imbalance causing a flexion-inversion injury

Question 5

Mortice lock

Answer 5

Syndesmosis blends into interosseus membrane

Question 6

Interosseus membrane

Answer 6

Found in between tibia and fibula

Question 7

Syndesmosis

Answer 7

Strong ligament that holds tibia and fibula together to prevent talus passing between them

Question 8

Collateral ligaments in the foot and ankle

Answer 8

Deltoid ligaments
Anterior talofibular ligament
Posterior talofibular ligament
Calcaneo-fibular ligament

Question 9

Deltoid ligament

Answer 9

Found medially
Triangle shaped and v strong
Originates from MM and anterior part travels to navicular and the posterior to the talus

Question 10

Anterior talofibular ligament

Answer 10

Joins fibula to talus
Most likely ligament to be damaged
Found laterally

Question 11

Calcaneo-fibular ligament

Answer 11

Runs from fibula to calcaneus

Found laterally

Question 12

Posterior talofibular ligament

Answer 12

Travels from fibula to talus

Found posteriorly

Question 13

Subtalar joint

Answer 13

Allows inversion and eversion of the ankle joint

Question 14

Mid-tarsal joint

Answer 14

Plane joint between 2 rows of tarsal bones

Allows passive movement of pronation and supination (useful when walking on uneven ground)

Question 15

Walking tripod

Answer 15

Calcaneous
Head of MT1
Head of MT5

Move apart in a spring fashion

Question 16

How does the walking tripod improve walking and running

Answer 16

Reduces wear and tear by acting as a shock absorber

Question 17

Arches of the foot

Answer 17

Medial longitudinal arch
Lateral longitudinal arch
Transverse longitudinal arch

Question 18

Spring ligament

Answer 18

Talocalcaneonavicular ligament

Reinforces talocalcaneonavicular joint inferiorly to prevent subluxation of head of talus

Question 19

Which arch does the spring ligament support

Answer 19

Medial longitudinal arch

Question 20

Tibialis posterior

Answer 20

Tendon found in posterior aspect of the tibia

Passes through MM to attach to spring ligament

Question 21

Which arch does tibialis posterior support

Answer 21

Longitudinal arches

Question 22

Plantar ligaments

Answer 22

Short one is deep to long one
Arise from calcaneous
Attaches to short/ long flexor tendons of foot

Question 23

Which arch do plantar ligaments support

Answer 23

Both medial and lateral longitudinal arches

Question 24

Peroneus/ fibularis longus

Answer 24

Oblique tendon that originates from lateral aspect, passes through LM and crosses to medial side attaching to base of 1st MT

Question 25

What does peroneus longus create

Answer 25

Transverse longitudinal arch

Question 26

Plantar Aponeurosis

Answer 26

Layer of fascia that attaches proximally to the calcaneus and then to the heads of the MT’s

Question 27

Function of Plantar Aponeurosis

Answer 27

Support longitudinal arches | Prevent slip on dorsal surface - tethers skin and bone, creating pockets of fat (cushioning)

Question 28

Medial longitudinal arch

Answer 28

Between calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuneiforms and metatarsals 1-3 Highest arch therefore most effective

Question 29

Lateral longitudinal arch

Answer 29

Between calcaneus, cuboid and metatarsals 4-5

Question 30

Transverse longitudinal arch

Answer 30

Between cuboid, cuneiforms and metatarsal bases

Question 31

Joints in the foot

Answer 31

``` Metatarsophalangeal Tarsometatarsal Subtalar Mid-tarsal Proximal interphalangeal Distal interphalangeal Interphalangeal joint of big toe ```

Question 32

When can the syndesmosis be damaged

Answer 32

When excessive rotational external force is placed on calcaneous