Leg, ankle & foot region

Question 1

Describe the osteology of the foot

Answer 1

Forefoot = metatarsals, phalanges
Midfoot = navicular, 3 cuneiforms, cuboid
Rearfoot = talus, calcaneus

Question 2

What is the midline long axis of the foot?

Answer 2

2nd digit metatarsal

Question 3

What are the plantar arches of the foot and what are their functions?

Answer 3

Medial and Lateral longitudinal arch + transverse arch

Functions:
1. dampen impact of weight-bearing
2. dampen superimposed rotational motions
3. adapt to changes in supporting surface
4. protect neurovasculature from compression

Question 4

Describe the motion of the talocrural (ankle) joint

Answer 4

Dorsiflexion-plantar flexion is the prime movement occurring roughly in sagittal plane. Small amounts of Abd-Add in transverse plane and ever-inver in the coronal plane.

Question 5

What are the 3 components of foot motion?

Answer 5

DF=PF in sagittal plane (coronal axis)
Abd-Add in transverse plane (vertical axis)
Ever-inver in coronal plane (longitudinal axis)

Question 6

What are the articulations of the talocalcaneonavicular joint?

Answer 6

head pf talus articulates with anterior & middle calcaneal facets, navicular and spring ligament

Question 7

Describe the action of pronation during weight-bearing.

Answer 7

Calcaneal eversion, Talar PF + adduction-internal rotation, tibial internal rotation

Question 8

Describe the action of supination during weight-bearing.

Answer 8

Calcaneal inversion, talar DF + abduction-external rotation, tibial external rotation

Question 9

What are the articulations and functions of the midtarsal joint (transverse tarsal)?

Answer 9

Articulation between the talocalcaneonavicular and calcaneocuboid (joint between rearfoot and midfoot).
Functions:
- contributes to pronation/supination ROM
- allows forefoot to maintain contact with ground whilst rearfoot pronates - supinates in response to terrain or responds to movement of the leg

Question 10

What are the components of the deltoid ligaments?

Answer 10

1. anterior tibiotalar
2. tibionavicular
3. tibiocalcaneal (+tibiospring)
4. posterior tibiotalar

Question 11

What are the functions of the plantar fascia?

Answer 11

Has very high tensile strength which is crucial in the support of the plantar arches. Also rich in proprioceptors which provides feedback on movements and positioning. Also provides a rigid foot for push off during gait

Question 12

What are the functions of plantar intrinsic muscles?

Answer 12

Control the rate and extent of deformation of the arch.
Local stabilisers which provide a stable base for large extrinsic muscles with greater PCSA and moment arms to produce gross motion.
Resist large external moments during late stance and push off phases

Question 13

What are the functions of the extrinsic foot muscles?

Answer 13

Main function is global foot motion (i.e., gait). Some muscles can help support arches of the foot.