Tibio-Fibular and Ankle Joint Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

Which ligament is most likely injured in the case of an ankle sprain resulting from twisting the ankle?

Anterior talofibular ligament (correct)

Posterior talofibular ligament

Spring ligament

Deltoid ligament

What is the common clinical presentation indicating a lateral ankle ligament injury?

Bruising and swelling on the medial aspect

Pain that radiates down the foot

Tenderness over the lateral malleolus with swelling (correct)

Instability of the knee joint

What imaging result is typically observed in patients with lateral ankle injuries where ligaments are compromised but bones are intact?

Dislocations in the ankle joints

Fractures of the fibula

Soft tissue calcifications

No fractures visible on X-rays (correct)

Which ligament is least likely involved in a typical inversion ankle injury?

Deltoid ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common risk factor for lateral ankle sprains?

Hyperflexibility of the foot Signup and view all the answers

What type of joint is the Ankle Joint classified as?

Synovial – Hinge Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms the roof of the ankle joint socket?

Inferior surface of the distal end of the tibia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ligaments is NOT associated with the ankle joint?

Popliteal ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which movement is primarily associated with the ankle joint?

Dorsiflexion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the tibio-fibular joints?

They contribute to the stability of the ankle joint. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the foot's anatomy is NOT mentioned as an area of focus for the small joints?

Stability Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms the lateral side of the ankle joint socket?

Lateral malleolus of the fibula Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the deltoid ligament in the ankle joint?

Provides medial stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the medial (deltoid) ligament?

It prevents over-eversion of the foot. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the deltoid ligament is attached to the navicular bone?

Tibio-navicular part Signup and view all the answers

What does the lateral ligament primarily resist?

Inversion of the foot Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the lateral ligament?

Tibio-navicular part Signup and view all the answers

What nerve supplies the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion at the ankle joint?

Deep peroneal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary roles of the medial (deltoid) ligament?

To maintain the medial longitudinal arch Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is NOT involved in dorsiflexion of the foot?

Soleus Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the medial ligament is attached to the calcaneus bone?

Tibio-calcaneal part Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is primarily responsible for the innervation of the Peroneus (Fibularis) Longus?

Superficial peroneal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of the Gastrocnemius muscle?

Plantarflexion of the ankle Signup and view all the answers

Acute sprains of the lateral ankle are primarily caused by what type of foot movement?

Excessive inversion Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament is commonly involved in lateral ankle sprains?

Anterior talofibular ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is part of the deep posterior compartment of the leg?

Flexor Digitorum Longus Signup and view all the answers

What is the less common type of acute ankle sprain?

Medial ankle sprain Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is NOT associated with plantarflexion?

Tibialis Anterior Signup and view all the answers

What type of joint primarily allows for the movement of the ankle and small joints of the foot?

Hinge joint Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tibio-Fibular Joints

Proximal Tibio-Fibular Joint:
- Articular Surfaces: Head of fibula and lateral condyle of tibia
- Type: Synovial – Plane
- Ligaments: Anterior and posterior ligaments, and interosseous membrane
Distal Tibio-Fibular Joint:
- Articular Surfaces: Lateral malleolus of fibula and distal end of tibia
- Type: Syndesmosis – Fibrous
- Ligaments: Anterior and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligaments, interosseous membrane

Ankle Joint

Type: Synovial – Hinge
Articular Surfaces:
- Socket is formed by tibia and fibula bones.
- Roof: Inferior surface of distal end of tibia
- Medial side: Medial malleolus of tibia
- Lateral side: Lateral malleolus of fibula
Supporting Ligaments:
- Medial (Deltoid) ligament: Prevents over-eversion of the foot and maintains the medial longitudinal arch
- Lateral Ligament: Composed of three separate ligaments (anterior talo-fibular ligament, posterior talo-fibular ligament, and calcaneo-fibular ligament), helps to resist inversion of the foot
Movements: Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion
Stability: Relatively stable due to strong ligaments

Movements of the Ankle Joint (Foot)

Dorsiflexion (Extension)
- Muscles: Tibialis anterior, Extensor Digitorum Longus, Extensor Hallucis Longus, Peroneus (Fibularis) Tertius
- Nerve Supply: Anterior Tibial (Deep peroneal) Nerve
Plantarflexion (Flexion)
- Muscles: Peroneus (Fibularis) Longus, Peroneus (Fibularis) Brevis, Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Plantaris, Tibialis Posterior, Flexor Digitorum Longus, Flexor Hallucis Longus
- Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous (Superficial peroneal) Nerve, Posterior Tibial Nerve

Small Joints of Foot

Intertarsal joints:
- Talocalcaneonavicular joint
- Calcaneocuboid joint
- Talocalcaneal joint
Tarsometatarsal Joints (Lisfranc’s Joint):
- Articulation between the distal row of tarsal bones and the metatarsals.
- Important for weight-bearing and transferring force to the forefoot
Intermetatarsal joints:
- Articulations between the metatarsals
- Allow for limited motion
Metatarsophalangeal joints:
- Articulations between the metatarsals and the phalanges
- Allow for flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction
Interphalangeal joints:
- Articulations between the phalanges
- Allow for flexion and extension

Arches of the Foot

The foot is shaped like an arch, which helps to absorb shock, provide stability, and propel the body forward.
Medial Longitudinal Arch: Formed by talus, navicular, three cuneiform bones, and medial 3 metatarsals
Lateral Longitudinal Arch: Formed by calcaneus, cuboid, and lateral 2 metatarsals
Transverse Arch: Extends across the foot and provides additional support, formed by the cuboid, cuneiforms and metatarsals

Clinical Correlation

Acute Sprains of the "Medial Ankle": Less common, caused by excessive eversion, pulling off the tip of the medial malleolus.
Acute Sprains of the "Lateral Ankle": More common, caused by excessive inversion of the foot with plantar flexion of the ankle. The anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament are partially torn, resulting in pain and swelling.

Case Scenario

A 28-year-old male presents with ankle pain and swelling after twisting his ankle while playing soccer. The patient has tenderness over the lateral malleolus with swelling and bruising.
The most likely injured ligament: Anterior talofibular ligament

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Description

This quiz explores the anatomy of the tibio-fibular joints and the ankle joint, including their articular surfaces and supporting ligaments. Test your knowledge on the types of joints, their structures, and functions within the lower limb. Perfect for students of anatomy and physiology!