Arthrology of the Leg, Ankle and Foot

Question 1

Interosseus membrane

Answer 1

Very thick membrane (ligamentous sheath) that holds together the tibia and fibula.
Does not contract.

Question 2

Syndesmosis

Answer 2

Though fibrous joint.
Very strong ligamentous structure on lateral side holding together the inferior tibiofibular joint.
Formed by:
- Interosseus ligament
- Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament
- Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament
- Transverse tibiofibular ligament

Question 3

Superior tibiofibular joint

Answer 3

Synovial joint between fibular head and lateral tibial condyle.

Question 4

Inferior tibiofibular joint

Answer 4

Referred to as tibiofibular syndesmosis. Though fibrous joint.
Between distal fibular and lateral tibia.

Question 5

Talocrural joint (ankle)

Answer 5

Plantar flexion and Dorsi flexion.
Talus connected to tibia and fibula.
Mortise joint (lock and key)

Question 6

Subtalar joint

Answer 6

Between talus (superior) and calcaneus (distal).
Inversion (medial side facing up), Eversion (lateral side facing up).
Contributes to pronation and supination with other joints.

Question 7

Lateral ligaments of the ankle!

Answer 7

Prevent inversion, lateral collateral ligament of the ankle.
Prone to injury.
• Anterior talofibular (ATFL)!
• Posterior talofibular (PTFL)!
• Calcaneofibular (CFL)!

Question 8

Medial ligaments of the ankle

Answer 8

Deltoid ligaments (form a triangle).
Very strong, not prone to injury.
Prevent eversion.
• Posterior tibiotalar ligament 
• Anterior tibiotalar ligament
• Tibiocalcaneal ligament 
• Tibionavicular ligament 
Not easily distinguishable. Usually assessed as one.
• Calcaneonavicular ligament (spring ligament)
Keeps the arch of the foot.

Question 9

Plantar Fascia

Answer 9

Thick layer of connective tissue.
From calcaneal tuberosity to the heads of the metatarsals. (medial border of foot).
Helps keep the arch of the foot. Stabelizes.

Question 10

Tarsometatarsal joints

Answer 10

Between tarsal bones and metatarsal bones.
Cuneiform 1, 2, 3 - Metatarsals 1, 2, 3.
Cuboid - Metatarsals 4, 5.

Question 11

Metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP)

Answer 11

Metatarsals 1-5 - Phalanges 1-5.

Question 12

Interphalangeal joints (IP)

Answer 12

Between phalanges.
Big toe has one.
2-5 have two (proximal, distal).

Question 13

Bursa

Answer 13

Sacs surrounding tendons to reduce friction.

Question 14

Retinaculum

Answer 14

Thickening in connective tissue.
Holding tendons down on anterior part of ankle.
Perpendicular to tendons.

Question 15

Digitorum

Answer 15

Toes 2-5.

Question 16

Hallucis

Answer 16

Big toe