The Ankle and the Foot

Question 1

What does the ankle joint consist of?

Answer 1

Formed from the distal ends of the tibia and fibula with the talus

Question 2

What movements are possible at the ankle joint?

Answer 2

Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion

Question 3

What are the two main groups of ligaments present in the ankle joint?

Answer 3

Medial and lateral ligaments

Question 4

Describe the role of the medial ligament in the ankle

Answer 4

Connects the medial malleolus of the tibia to the calcaneus and navicular.

Question 5

Describe the structure of the medial ligament in the ankle

Answer 5

4 adjacent and continuous parts of ligament which are very strong and stabilise joint during eversion and prevent subluxation

Question 6

Describe the structure of the lateral ligament in the ankle

Answer 6

Formed of three completely separate ligaments: anterior talofibular, posterior talofibular and calcaneofibular

Question 7

Which muscles allow dorsiflexion at the ankle and which nerve innervates them?

Answer 7

Tibialis anterior, E digitorum and E hallucis longus - innervated by deep branch of common peroneal nerve

Question 8

Which muscles allow eversion at the ankle and which nerve innervates them?

Answer 8

Lateral compartment of muscles (fibularis longus and brevis) - innverated by superficial branch of common peroneal nerve

Question 9

Which muscles allow plantarflexion at the ankle?

Answer 9

Superficial and deep flexors:
Superficial (attach via calcaneal tendon) = gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris
Deep (attach to bones of foot) = fibialis posterior, F digitorum and F hallucis longus

Question 10

What is meant by ‘retinacula’?

Answer 10

Hold tendons in place in order to stabilise ligaments and joints

Question 11

What type of retinaculu is present in the foot?

Answer 11

Extensor and flexor retinaculu

Question 12

With what two bones does the talus articulate?

Answer 12

Calcaneus and the navicular

Question 13

What movements are possible at the foot?

Answer 13

Eversion and inversion

Question 14

What is the function of the ligaments around the tarsal bones?

Answer 14

To provide stability

Question 15

Which ligament is present on the medial side of the foot?

Answer 15

Spring ligaments - continuous with the deltoid/medial ligaments of the ankle

Question 16

Which ligaments are present on the lateral side of the foot?

Answer 16

Long and short plantar ligaments

Question 17

What is the function of the intrinsic muscles of the foot?

Answer 17

Involved in precise movements of the foot and are constantly contracting and relaxing to respond to dynamic changes.

Question 18

Describe normal weight distribution through the foot

Answer 18

Weight is transmitted through the talus bone which passes equally forwards and backwards into the calcaneum,