Ankle Joint

Question 0

What is the mortise?

Answer 0

The tibia and fibula are bound by strong tibiofibular ligaments which produce a bracket shaped socket. It is lined by hyaline cartilage.

Question 1

Which bones make up the ankle joint?

Answer 1

Tibia
Fibula
Talus

Question 2

Name the two ligaments of the ankle joint

Answer 2

Medial and lateral ligaments

Question 3

Attachments of the medial ligament?

Answer 3

Medial malleolus

Fans to four separate ligaments which attach to the talus, calcaneus and navicular bones

Question 4

Primary action of the medial ligament?

Answer 4

Resist over-eversion of the foot

Question 5

Attachments of the lateral ligament?

Answer 5

Consists of three distinct ligaments:

• Anterior talofibular: between lateral malleolus and lateral aspect of talus
• Posterior talofibular: spans between lateral malleolus and posterior aspect of the talus
• Calcaneofibular: between lateral malleolus and calcaneus

Question 6

Which muscles do plantarflexion of the ankle?

Answer 6

Posterior compartment of the leg:

• gastrocnemius
• soleus
• plantaris
• posterior tibialis

Question 7

What does dorsiflexion of the ankle?

Answer 7

Anterior compartment of the leg

• tibialis anterior
• extensor hallucis longus
• extensor digitorum longus

Question 8

What is an ankle sprain?

Answer 8

Partial or complete tear of ligaments in the ankle joint

Question 9

Why is the lateral ligament more likely to be damaged?

Answer 9

Weaker than the medial ligament

Lateral ligament resists inversion, which is the main way an kale is sprained.

Question 10

What is a Pott’s fracture-dislocation? What moves?

Answer 10

A fracture of both the medial and lateral malleoli

• Forced eversion pulls on the medial ligaments, producing an avulsion fracture of the medial malleolus
• The talus moves laterally, breaking off the lateral malleolus
• The tibia is then forced anteriorly, shearing off its distal, proximal portion against the talus