Leg Flashcards
What nerve plexus is responsible to innervating the Leg (from Knee to Ankle)?
Sacral Plexus (L4-S4)
Which bone is the major weight bearing bone of the leg?
Tibia
What is the purpose of the Fibula?
- Not weight bearing
- Makes up part of Ankle joint
- Site for muscle attachment
True or False: The Medial Malleolus extends further down (inferiorly) than the Lateral Malleolus
False
-The Lateral Malleolus extends more inferiorly
What is the purpose of the Talus?
- Transmit weight from Tibia to Calcaneus and Forefoot
- No muscular or tendinous attachments
Describe: Talar Fractures
- Occur from high energy events (accident, fall, trauma)
- Surgery to repair
- Risk of avascular necrosis of the Talus
-Results in loss of motion and function of ankle joint
True or False: The Ankle joint is also known as the Talocrural Joint
True
What type of joint is the Ankle?
Uni-axial Hinge Joint
Which is weaker: Lateral Ligaments or Medial Ligaments?
Lateral ligaments of the Ankle are weaker and more often injured
What are the three Lateral Ligaments of the Ankle?
- Anterior talofibular ligament
- Posterior talofibular ligament
- Calcaneofibular ligament
What is the function of the Lateral Ligaments of the Ankle?
Responsible for resistance against inversion and internal rotational stress
What fibers compose the Medial Ligament of the Ankle (Deltoid Ligament)?
- Tibionavicular fibers
- Tibiocalcaneal fibers
- Tibiotalar fibers
What is the function of the Medial Ligament of the Ankle?
Stabilizes the Ankle joint during eversion of the foot and prevents subluxation of the Ankle joint
Describe: Ankle Sprains
- Ligament most likely to be injured is perpendicular to the ground at the time of injury
- Inversion sprain is most common
- Step in hole: Injured Post. Talofibular Ligament
- Flat footed: Injured Calcaneofibular Ligament
- Jumping: Injured Anterior Talofibular Ligament
Describe: Inversion while Plantatflexing
Rupture or sprain of the Anterior Fibulotalar Ligament
-Weakest, most commonly injured ligament
Describe: Forceful Eversion at the Ankle (“Pott’s Fracture”)
- Bi-malleolar fracture caused by a combined abduction and external rotation from an eversion force
- Requires surgical repair
True or False: The Crural Fascia is an extension of the Fascia Lata?
True
What nerve innervates the anterior compartment of the leg and what is its function?
- Deep Fibular Nerve
- Dorsiflexion of the Ankle
What nerve innervates the lateral compartment of the leg and what is its function?
- Superficial Fibular Nerve
- Eversion of the Ankle
What nerve innervates the superficial and deep posterior compartments of the leg and what is their function?
- Tibial Nerve
- Plantar flexion of the Ankle