Lower limb - foot, ankle and gait

Question 1

What is the function of the extensor retinacula?

Answer 1

Bind down the tendons of the muscles and prevent them from bowstringing during movements at the ankle.

Question 2

Where in the foot will you be able to palpate the pulsation of the dorsalis pedis artery?

Answer 2

Between the tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus to the second toe

Question 3

Dorsalis pedis artery is a continuation of which artery?

Answer 3

Anterior tibial artery

Question 4

What is the surface anatomy of the long and short saphenous veins at the ankle?

Answer 4

Great saphenous vein is anterior to the medial malleolus Lesser saphenous vein is posterior to the lateral malleolus with the sural nerve

Question 5

Why might a patient who has undergone stripping of the long saphenous vein develop loss of sensation on the medial aspect of their foot?

Answer 5

The saphenous nerve is a sensory branch of the femoral nerve which runs in close to the long saphenous vein in the leg. This nerve may be damaged.

Question 6

Describe the pathological changes occur in tendons during ageing that increase the risk of tendon rupture.

Answer 6

• Decreased capillary density and decreased arterial perfusion
• Increased stiffness due to decreased elastin, decreased proteoglycans, decreased water content of the tendon and increased crosslinking of collagen
•  Decreased collagen synthesis and decreased ability to repair damaged collagen.
• Calcium deposition

Question 7

Which muscles are involved with inversion of the foot?

Answer 7

tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior

Question 8

Which muscles are involved in eversion of the foot?

Answer 8

fibularis longus, brevis, and tertius