Ankle Anatomy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What symptom is common in severe cases of weakness and atrophy of the intrinsic foot muscles?

Symptoms improve at night

Worsening symptoms with prolonged standing (correct)

Radiating numbness with flexion

Pain increases during rest

What does a positive Tinel sign indicate?

Compression of the ankle joint

Neuropathy associated with tapping the flexor retinaculum (correct)

A fracture of the medial malleolus

Weakness in the dorsal foot muscles

Which of the following conditions could potentially cause weakening of the intrinsic foot muscles?

Chronic plantar fasciitis

Severe ankle sprain

Peroneal nerve entrapment (correct)

Metatarsal fractures

How is radiating paresthesia commonly triggered in the context of ankle retinacula issues?

By tapping the flexor retinaculum posterior to the medial malleolus Signup and view all the answers

What activity is most likely to aggravate symptoms of intrinsic foot muscle weakness?

Prolonged standing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the flexor retinaculum at the ankle?

Holds the long flexor tendons in position. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT contained within the tarsal tunnel under the flexor retinaculum?

Anterior tibial artery Signup and view all the answers

Where is the extensor retinaculum located?

Across the anterior aspect of the ankle Signup and view all the answers

What type of structure is the flexor retinaculum categorized as?

A thickening of deep fascia Signup and view all the answers

How many types of extensor retinaculum are identified?

Two types Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tendons is NOT mentioned as part of the contents of the tarsal tunnel?

Peroneus longus tendon Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific shape of the inferior extensor retinaculum?

Y-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the pulse of which artery primarily located in the tarsal tunnel?

Posterior tibial artery Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is located deep to the extensor retinaculum in the lower limb?

Dorsalis pedis artery Signup and view all the answers

Which tendon is NOT found deep to the peroneal retinaculum?

Tibialis anterior tendon Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the thickening of deep fascia that holds the tendons of the lateral compartment of the leg?

Peroneal retinaculum Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Rheumatoid arthritis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Muscle weakness in the anterior compartment Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is found superficial to the extensor retinaculum?

Saphenous nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT located deep to the extensor retinaculum?

Peroneus longus tendon Signup and view all the answers

Which vein is located superficial to the peroneal retinaculum?

Small saphenous vein Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ankle Retinacula

Thickening of deep fascia that holds tendons in position
Located at the ankle joint

Flexor Retinaculum

Thickening of deep fascia that holds long flexor tendons in position
Located on the medial side of the ankle, behind the medial malleolus
Converts the space behind the medial malleolus into an osteo-fascial tunnel, the tarsal tunnel
Tarsal tunnel contains:
- Tibialis posterior tendon
- Flexor digitorum longus tendon
- Posterior tibial artery
- Posterior tibial nerve
- Flexor hallucis longus tendon

Extensor Retinaculum

Thickening of deep fascia that holds long extensor tendons in position
Located on the anterior side of the ankle
Two types:
- Superior extensor retinaculum
- Inferior extensor retinaculum (Y-shaped)
Structures deep to extensor retinaculum (medial to lateral):
- Tibialis anterior tendon
- Extensor hallucis longus tendon
- Dorsalis pedis artery
- Anterior tibial (deep peroneal) nerve
- Extensor digitorum longus tendons
- Fibularis tertius tendon
Structures superficial to extensor retinaculum (medial to lateral):
- Great saphenous vein
- Saphenous nerve

Peroneal Retinaculum

Thickening of deep fascia that holds tendons of the lateral compartment of the leg in position
Located on the lateral side of the ankle, behind the lateral malleolus
Structures deep to peroneal retinaculum (medial to lateral):
- Peroneus longus tendon
- Peroneus brevis tendon
Structures superficial to peroneal retinaculum (medial to lateral):
- Small saphenous vein
- Sural nerve

Clinical Correlation

Tarsal tunnel syndrome: an entrapment syndrome caused by pressure on contents within tarsal tunnel.
Causes:
- Fracture of talus, calcaneus, and medial malleolus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Clinical picture:
- Neuropathic pain and paresthesia in the heel, sole of the foot, and first three toes
- Weakness and atrophy of intrinsic foot muscles (severe cases)
- Symptoms worsen with walking, prolonged standing, and at night
- Positive Tinel sign: radiating paresthesia triggered by tapping the flexor retinaculum posterior to the medial malleolus

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of ankle retinacula, including the flexor and extensor types. Identify their structures and functions in holding tendons in position around the ankle joint. Perfect for students learning about human anatomy or physical therapy.