Applied anatomy of LL - Muscle groups

Question 1

What are the 4 compartments of the Leg ?

Answer 1

• Anterior
• Lateral
• Posterior
  1- Superficial posterior compartment.
  2- Deep posterior compartment.

Learning bite: “One compartment – one nerve” principle
All the muscles in a compartment are supplied by the same nerve.

Question 2

What does each compartment of the leg contain ?

Answer 2

Learning bite: “One compartment – one nerve” principle
All the muscles in a compartment are supplied by the same nerve.

Question 3

Where does the gastrocnemius muscle sit ?

Answer 3

Gastrocnemius arises from the posterior aspects of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and adjacent popliteal surface

Distally this fuses with the other superficial muscles to form the Achilles tendon.

Question 4

Where do achilled tendon bursa sit ?

Answer 4

Location:
Between tendon and underlying bone
Between tendon and overlying deep fascia

Action:
Reduces friction during flexion and extension of the ankle

The bursae around the Achilles tendon are prone to inflammation.

Question 5

How do you preform a simmonds test ?

What does it test for ?

Answer 5

The diagnosis is made by carrying out a calf-squeeze (Simmond’s) test. This is performed with the patient kneeling on a chair with their ankle and feet lying free (Fig.X). In normal subjects, squeezing the calf muscles results in slight plantar flexion of the foot. If the tendon is ruptured this will not occur (Fig.Y).

Question 6

When is an achilles tendon likley to rupture ?

Answer 6

The Achilles tendon is prone to rupture in certain ‘quick start’ sports such as squash or tennis, especially as the athlete gets older. Patients notice a sudden pain in the posterior calf and will often describe a ‘pop’ or being hit in that area. Subsequently they will find it difficult to weight bear and stand on the affected leg.

• CIPRAFLOXACIN.
• STEROIDS