40 Questions
What is the function of the subtalar joint in the foot?
To absorb shock during the stance phase of gait
Which of the following joints is responsible for adapting to irregularities in the ground?
Subtalar joint
What is the primary function of the plantar arches?
To absorb shock during the stance phase of gait
Which of the following ligaments provides stability to the subtalar joint?
All of the above
What is the term for the movement of the foot when the talus moves into a closed pack position?
Pronation
Which of the following bones forms the rearfoot?
Calcaneus
What is the term for the movement of the foot when the talus moves into a loose pack position?
Supination
Which of the following joints is responsible for movements in multiple planes?
Subtalar joint
What is the result of pronation on the arch of the foot?
Lowering of the arch
Which facet of the calcaneus follows the concave rule in arthrokinematics?
Anterior facet
What is the function of the talus bone?
Force distributor
What is the primary function of the ankle and foot?
To provide a stable base while conforming to uneven surfaces and providing balance and stability
What is the name of the joint formed by the head of the fibula and the posterolateral aspect of the tibia?
Proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ)
Which joint complex is responsible for adapting to the curvature of the plantar arches?
Cuneonavicular, intercuneiform, and tarsometatarsal joints
What is the movement of the proximal tibiofibular joint during dorsiflexion?
Cranial glide
During supination, which movement occurs at the subtalar joint?
Plantarflexion and inversion
Which ligament supports the internal arch?
Plantar calcaneonavicular ligament
What is the shape of the trochlea of the talus?
Wider anteriorly than posteriorly
What is the primary function of the distal tibiofibular joint?
To provide stability and support during weight-bearing activities
What is the result of supination on the arch of the foot?
Elevation of the arch
What is the type of joint that connects the tibia and fibula?
Syndesmosis
What type of joints are the cuneonavicular, intercuneiform, and tarsometatarsal joints?
Plane joints
What is the function of the interosseous membrane in the proximal tibiofibular joint?
To connect the tibia and fibula
What is the movement of the proximal tibiofibular joint during knee flexion?
Forward glide
What is the movement of the concave surface during dorsiflexion in CKC?
Anterior roll, anterior glide
Which ligament provides medial stability to the talocrural joint?
Deltoid ligament
What is the primary muscle responsible for dorsiflexion?
Tibialis anterior
During plantar flexion in OKC, which surface moves with a posterior roll?
Talus
What structure provides static stability to the talocrural joint?
Deltoid ligament
During dorsiflexion in OKC, which surface moves with an anterior roll?
Talus
What is the primary stabilizer of the talocrural joint during plantar flexion?
Gastrocnemius
Which of the following is a dynamic stabilizer of the talocrural joint?
Musculature
What is the degree of freedom of the talocrural joint?
1 degree
What is the rest position of the talocrural joint?
10° plantar flexion
Which of the following statements is true regarding arthrokinematics of the talocrural joint?
During plantar flexion, the talus slides posteriorly and rolls anteriorly in an open kinetic chain.
What is the anatomical composition of the ankle?
Tibia, fibula, and talus
Which of the following bones is NOT part of the midfoot?
Talus
What is the range of motion of the talocrural joint during dorsiflexion?
0-30°
Which of the following statements is true regarding the talocrural joint in a closed kinetic chain?
The talus slides posteriorly and rolls anteriorly during dorsiflexion.
What is the compact position of the talocrural joint?
Maximum dorsiflexion
Study Notes
Biomechanics of the Ankle and Foot
Introduction
- The ankle and foot provide a stable base while conforming to uneven surfaces
- They provide balance and stability while allowing for flexibility to absorb stress and adapt to the ground
- The complex functional and structural interaction is possible between joints, connective tissues, and muscles
Tibiofibular Joints
- The mortise adjusts its position as the talus moves
- Proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ): head of fibula with posterolateral aspect of tibia
- Plane joint with anterior and posterior proximal tibiofibular ligaments and interosseous membrane
- Distal tibiofibular joint (DTFJ): concave face (tibia) and convex face (fibula)
- Syndesmosis with anterior and posterior distal tibiofibular ligaments and fibrous fat tissue connecting the tibia and fibula
- Proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ): head of fibula with posterolateral aspect of tibia
Arthrokinematics of the Tibiofibular Joints
- A slight gliding motion in the PTFJ is possible during osteokinematics of the ankle and knee:
- Dorsiflexion: cranial glide
- Plantar flexion: caudal glide
- Knee flexion: forward glide
- Knee extension: posterior glide
Anatomy: Ankle & Foot
- Ankle → Talocrural Joint (tibia, fibula, and talus)
- Anatomical perspective: talocrural joint
- Functional Perspective: + proximal and distal tibiofibular joint and interosseous membrane
- Foot → all tarsal bones and joints distal to the ankle
- Rearfoot: talus, calcaneus, and subtalar joint
- Midfoot: navicular, cuboid, 3 cuneiforms
- Forefoot: metatarsals and the phalanges, including all distal joints and tarsometatarsal joints
Talocrural Joint
- Mortise by medial malleolus and lateral malleolus (tibiofibular syndesmosis) – talus
- Hinge joint with 1 degree of freedom
- Rest position: 10° plantar flexion
- Compact position/close pack: maximal dorsiflexion
- Concave/convex rule:
- Open kinetic chain: convex rule
- Closed kinetic chain: concave rule
Osteokinematics of the Talocrural Joint
- Range of motion:
- Dorsiflexion: 0-20/30°
- Plantarflexion: 0-50°
Arthrokinematics of the Talocrural Joint
- Arthrokinematics:
- Slide: anterior (talus) – posterior (mortise)
- Roll: posterior (talus) – anterior (mortise)
- Osteokinematics:
- Plantar flexion (OKC): anterior (talus) – posterior (talus)
- Dorsiflexion (OKC): posterior (talus) – anterior (talus)
- Plantar flexion (CKC): posterior (mortise) – posterior (mortise)
- Dorsiflexion (CKC): anterior (mortise) – anterior (mortise)
Subtalar Joint
- Oblique axis: hence pronation and supination
- Pronation: dorsiflexion, eversion, and abduction (lowering of the arch)
- Supination: plantar flexion, inversion, and adduction (elevation of the arch)
Simplified Arthrokinematics of the Subtalar Joint
- Arthrokinematics:
- Posterior facet of calcaneus: convex rule (OKC)
- Anterior facet of calcaneus: concave rule (OKC)
- Osteokinematics:
- Supination (OKC): medial (calcaneus) – lateral (calcaneus)
- Pronation (OKC): lateral (calcaneus) – medial (calcaneus)
- Supination (CKC): lateral (talus) – medial (talus)
- Pronation (CKC): medial (talus) – lateral (talus)
Midtarsal / Chopart`s Joint
- Talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints
- Osteokinematics: combined with subtalar joint, also contributes to:
- Pronation
- Supination
- Simplified Arthrokinematics: concave rule (OKC) gliding
Other Tarsal Joints
- Cuneonavicular, intercuneiform, and tarsometatarsal / Lisfrank joint
- Plane joints
- Adapt the curvature of plantar arches
Learn about the functions of the ankle and foot, including providing balance and stability, and adapting to uneven surfaces. Understand the complex interactions between joints, connective tissues, and muscles.
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