tibia, fibula, and ankle joints

Question 1

what is the significance of the tibial tuberosity

Answer 1

where the patella tendon attaches to the tibia

Question 2

why is the anterior border of the tibia susceptible to fracture

Answer 2

so close to the skin

Question 3

is the soleus line anterior or posterior

Answer 3

posterior

Question 4

what is the soleal line

Answer 4

where the soleus muscle attaches

Question 5

action of soleal muscle on the tibia

Answer 5

helps maintain posture due to the centre of gravity lying anterior to the tibia

Question 6

why can fractures of the distal 1/3 of the tibia take longer to heal compared to the proximal 2/3

Answer 6

because the blood supply here isnt as good as the bone is thinner hear

Question 7

what makes up the lateral and medial malleolus at the ankle and which is bigger

Answer 7

medial malleolus - distal tibia lateral malleolus - distal fibula (extends further distally)

Question 8

major roles of the tibia and fibula

Answer 8

tibia - weight bearing fibula - non weight bearing, for muscle attachment

Question 9

is the tibial tuberosity anterior or posterior

Answer 9

anterior

Question 10

why is it easy to get ring hypophyses fractures of the tibia and fibula

Answer 10

because they are connected via the interosseous membrane

Question 11

what is the function of the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula

Answer 11

passage of vessels

Question 12

what kind of joints are the superior and inferior tibiofibular joints

Answer 12

superior = plane synovial joint inferior = fibrous joint (syndesmosis)

Question 13

what structures help stabilise the superior tibiofibular joint

Answer 13

• anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments - fibular collateral ligament (attaches to head of the fibula) - head of one of the hamstring muscles attaches to fibula

Question 14

what is the importance of the stability of the inferior tibiofibular joinw

Answer 14

it allows us to be bipedal - it prevents tibia and fibula from separating during weight bearing

Question 15

what structures help stabilise the inferior tibiofibular joint

Answer 15

anterior and posterior interosseous tibiofibular ligaments

Question 16

which joint is least likely to dislocate? the superior or inferior tibiofibular joint

Answer 16

superior (inferior very unlikely)

Question 17

what is the malleolar mortise

Answer 17

the distal end of the fibula forms a socket for the talus bone of the foot

Question 18

what are the names of the tarsal bones and how are they arranged

Answer 18

3 rows: 1st row: calcaneus and talus 2nd row: cuboid and navicular 3rd row: medial, intermediate and lateral cuneiforms

Question 19

which tarsal bone is the “heel”

Answer 19

calcaneous

Question 20

which tarsal bone articulates at the ankle joint

Answer 20

the talus bone (only bone to articulate here)

Question 21

where does the archilles tendon attach

Answer 21

to the posterior border of the calcaneus tarsal bone

Question 22

which muscle is the archilles tendon part of

Answer 22

soleus

Question 23

which bones articulate anteriorly with the talus and the calcaneous bones

Answer 23

talus = navicular calcaneous = cuboid

Question 24

what is a March fracture

Answer 24

fracture of the 2nd metatarsal

Question 25

why is the 2nd metatarsal most likely to fracture

Answer 25

because it is the longest and thinnest metatarsal and its articulation with the tarsal is very wedged in between the first and third

Question 26

functions of sesamoid bones in the foot

Answer 26

- cushioning effect - can create a space for nerves and vessels to run through

Question 27

what are accessory bones in the foot

Answer 27

secondary centres of ossification that dont fuse with the parent bone

Question 28

what are the 3 joints that the talus bone is a part of

Answer 28

ankle joint above (talocrural joint) subtalar joint below (talcalcaneal joint) midtarsal joint in front (talocalcaeneonavicular and calcaneocuboid)

Question 29

what "deepens" the ankle joint posteriorly

Answer 29

the inferior transverse ligament

Question 30

movement at the ankle joint

Answer 30

flexion (plantar flexion) and extension (dorsiflexion) only - hinge joint (have associated slight inversion and eversion)

Question 31

association of inversion and eversion with dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the ankle joint

Answer 31

plantar flexion associated with some inversion dorsi flexion associated with some eversion

Question 32

what causes the slight inversion and eversion of the foot with dorsi and plantar flexion

Answer 32

due to the lateral malleolus being longer distally than the medial malleolus

Question 33

is dorsi or plantar flexion more stable and why

Answer 33

plantar flexion is more stable because anterior articulation of the talus bone is wider anteriorly compared to posteriorly

Question 34

what is the main medial ligament of the ankle joint

Answer 34

deltoid ligament - very strong

Question 35

what are the main lateral ligaments of the ankle joint

Answer 35

3 lateral collateral ligaments

Question 36

is eversion or inversion sprains of the ankle more common

Answer 36

inversion - because the deltid ligament is much more stable than the lateral collateral ligaments - therefore lateral collateral ligaments injured more often

Question 37

inversion of the ankle joint is associated with what fracture

Answer 37

fracture of the malleolus of the fibula (because the body of the talus is pushing on the lateral malleolus outwards)

Question 38

what is a Pots fracture

Answer 38

fracture of the fibula due to forced eversion of the ankle joint

Question 39

which joint is associated with inversion and eversion of the ankle

Answer 39

the subtalar joint (between talus and calcaneous)

Question 40

function of the spring ligament in the foot

Answer 40

maintains the position of the head of the talus

Question 41

what is the proper name for the spring ligament of the foot

Answer 41

the plantar calcaneo-navicular ligament

Question 42

what is the sinus tarsi

Answer 42

slight gap between the subtalar and TCN joints - where the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament runs and also where the vascular sling runs

Question 43

function of the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament

Answer 43

binds calcaneus and talus firmly together

Question 44

what is pronation and supination of the foot joints

Answer 44

pronation = eversion and lateral rotation supination = inversion and medial rotation

Question 45

action of the calcaneocuboid joint

Answer 45

helps in pronation and supination

Question 46

what are the Lisfranc joints

Answer 46

the tarsometatarsal joints

Question 47

what are the 3 arches of the arches of the foot

Answer 47

2 longitudinal arches (medial and lateral) 1 transverse arch

Question 48

is the medial or lateral longitudinal arch of the foot higher

Answer 48

medial as it is supported by ligaments and muscles

Question 49

what kind of support is needed for the arches of the foot in dynamic and static activity

Answer 49

dynamic activity = muscular support static activity = ligamentous upport

Question 50

what is the Windlass effect of the plantar aponeurosis

Answer 50

dorsiflexion of the toes during propulsive phase of gait causes tightening of the plantar aponeurosis --\> causes elevation of the longitudinal arch - leading to a forced supination of the foot in preparation for the push off during gait