Lower Limb Biomechanics 2

Question 1

What is the most important function of the patella?

Answer 1

to increase the lever arm of the quadriceps muscles

Question 2

How does the patella assist in knee extension?

Answer 2

it increases the lever arm of the quadriceps muscle by displacing the quadriceps tendon

Question 3

How does the patella’s influence vary on position of the leg?

Answer 3

maximum effect in extension

almost no effect in full flexion

Question 4

if the patella is removed, how much more force does the quadriceps muscles have to produce to compensate?

Answer 4

30% more

Question 5

What are the 2 main functions of the menisci?

Answer 5

load distribution

shock absorption

Question 6

What happens to load distribution and joint wear if the menisci are removed?

Answer 6

poor load distribution and greater wear and joint damage

Question 7

which bone forms the lateral malleolus?

Answer 7

fibula

Question 8

Which bone forms the medial malleolus?

Answer 8

tibia

Question 9

What are the 3 articulation of the ankle joint?

Answer 9

tibiotalar
fibiotalar
distal talofibular

Question 10

is the ankle joint intrinsically stable?

what other support does it require and why?

Answer 10

yes

ligamentous support due to high loads passing through it

Question 11

What are the 3 main ligaments of the ankle?

Answer 11

anterior inferior talofibular ligament
medial ligament
lateral ligament

Question 12

What is flexion of the ankle also known as?

Answer 12

dorsiflexion

Question 13

What is extension of the ankle also known as?

Answer 13

plantarflexion

Question 14

Which ligament is commonly injured in a sprained ankle?

Answer 14

AITFL

Question 15

What are the ranges of dorsiflexion and platarflexion at the ankle joint?

Answer 15

10-20 dorsiflexion

25-35 plantarflexion

Question 16

What ROM is required at the ankle for walking?

Answer 16

10 dorsiflexion and 15 plantarflexion

Question 17

What 3 parts can the foot be split into?

Answer 17

forefoot
midfoot
hindfoot

Question 18

What bones make up the hindfoot?

Answer 18

talus

calcaneous

Question 19

What bones make up the mid foot?

Answer 19

cuboid
medial intermediate and lateral cuneiforms
navicular

Question 20

What bones make up the forefoot?

Answer 20

metatarsals

phalanges

Question 21

what is the subtalar joint?

Answer 21

the joint between the talus and the calcaneous

Question 22

what movements are permitted as a result of the subtalar joint

Answer 22

inversion (20 degrees) and eversion (5 degrees)

Question 23

Describe the 2 way arch system of the foot

Answer 23

5 longitudinal arches from the calcaneous to the 5 metatarsals

transverse arch running across the foot

Question 24

Which piece of connective tissue supports the longitudinal arch?

Answer 24

plantar fascia

Question 25

What is the function of the plantar fascia?

Answer 25

acts as a cable between the heel and toes to draw the two ends of the foot together

acts as a truss to prevent the weight of the body compressing the longitudinal arch

shock absorber