Foot and Ankle Learning Objectives

Question 1

Describe the layers of the muscles of the foot and list their contents, general actions, innervation, and blood supply.

Answer 1

1st layer of muscles (lateral/medial plantar nn.)

• Flexor digitorum brevis
• Abductor hallucis
• Abductor digiti minimi

2nd layer of muscles (lateral/medial plantar nn.)

• Quadratus plantae
• Lumbricals (4)

3rd layer of muscles (lateral/medial plantar nn.)

• Adductor hallucis
• Flexor hallucis brevis
• Flexor digiti minimi brevis

4th layer of muscles (lateral plantar n.)
- Plantar interossei (3)
- Dorsal interossei (4)
(Digit 2 as axis for ab/adduction)

BLOOD SUPPLY??

Question 2

Name the relative position of the tendons that pass posterior to the medial malleolus.

Answer 2

Tibialis posterior
Flexor digitorum longus
Flexor hallucis longus

(tom, dick, harry –> most ant to most post)

Question 3

Describe the path taken by and the location of muscular branch origin of the tibial nerve in the foot.

Answer 3

Sciatic –> Tibial

• • > medial plantar –> common plantar –> proper plantar
• • > lateral plantar –> superficial br. –> deep br.

Question 4

Describe the locations where one would take the medial malleolar and dorsalis pedis pulses.

Answer 4

Posterior tibial pulse (/medial malleolar?)
- between medial malleolus and calcaneal tendon

Dorsalis pedis pulse
- between extensor hallucis longus and tibialis anterior tendon

Question 5

Distal tibiofibular joint, synovial classification

Answer 5

syndesmosis

Question 6

Talocrural, synovial classification

Answer 6

ginglymus or hinge

Question 7

Subtalar, synovial classification

Answer 7

plane

Talocalcaneal

Question 8

Tarsometatarsal, synovial classification

Answer 8

plane

Cuboid and cuneiforms with metatarsals

Question 9

Metatarsophalangeal, synovial classification

Answer 9

ellipsoidal

Question 10

Interphalangeal, synovial classification

Answer 10

ginglymus or hinge

Question 11

Name the primary motions that occur at the joints of the foot and ankle.

Answer 11

ankle:
plantar flexion
dorsiflexion
inversion
eversion

toes:
flexion
extension
abduction
adduction

Question 12

Identify the ligaments that are closely applied to joint capsules (thickening of joint capsules).

Answer 12

Anterior talofibular ligament

Question 13

Describe the arrangement of the tarsal bones.

Answer 13

Proximal (medial to lateral)

Talus, calcaneus
Navicular 
Medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, lateral cuneiform, cuboid
Metatarsals
Proximal phalanges
Middle phalanges
Distal phalanges

Distal