Leg and Dorsum of Foot

Question 1

what is the continuation of the fascia lata of the thigh and what is it called?

Answer 1

deep fascia of the leg. called Crural fascia

Question 2

where does the crural fascia attach?

Answer 2

anterior and medial border of tibia where it is continuous with periosteum

Question 3

what happens to the crural fascia distally?

Answer 3

thickens to form the extensor retinacula which precent bowstringing of anterior compartment tendons during dorsiflexion

Question 4

what is the purpose of crural fascia?

Answer 4

serves as a compression stocking, preventing mm. from bulging too much during contraction and enables more efficient blood pumping against gravity, towards the heat during muscular contractions

Question 5

what is compartment syndrome?

Answer 5

fascial compartments are closed spaces ending proximally and distally at joints. if there is inflammation within compartments, consequent to infection or overexertion it can spread distally. if there is trauma to vessels or mm. w/in the compartment, edema or hemorrhage may result leading to increased volume in small space which increases intracompartmental pressure. structures distal to compression can become ischemic or permanently damaged (muscular necrosis).

Question 6

what are the diagnostic symptoms for compartment syndrome?

Answer 6

pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, and pulselessness

Question 7

what is used to release pressure within a leg compartment?

Answer 7

fasciotomy

Question 8

what is the interosseous membrane?

Answer 8

unites the tibia and fibula and separates the anterior and posterior leg compartments

Question 9

what is the intermuscular septa in the leg?

Answer 9

extensions of the lateral crural fascia that attach to the fibula

Question 10

what are the intermuscular septa and what to they separate?

Answer 10

anterior intermuscular septum-sep anterior and lateral leg compartments
posterior intermuscular septum-sep lateral and posterior leg compartments
transverse intermuscular septum-sep deep posterior and superficial posterior leg compartments. Ends distally as the flexor retinaculum near the medial malleolus

Question 11

collectively what does the intermuscular septa do?

Answer 11

form 3 leg compartments with distinct neurovascular supply