ankle and foot surface anatomy

Question 1

what is the perineal tubercle

Answer 1

a bony projection at the lateral wall of the calcaneus

Question 2

what is the joint between the tibia, fibula and talus

Answer 2

malleolar mortice joint

Question 3

what movements happen at the malleolar mortice joint

Answer 3

plantarflexion
and
dorsiflexion

Question 4

based on the shape of the mortice joint, which position is it most stable in, why

Answer 4

dorsiflexion

• articular surface of talus is wider anteriorly
• it tightens the joint by being squeezed between the tibia and fibula

Question 5

how can you find the palpation of the peroneal tubercle

Answer 5

• 1-2cm inferior to lateral malleolus

(tendons of fibulas longus and breves pass inferior and superior to this prominence)

Question 6

what are the 4 ligaments of the ankle (locate them on an image)

Answer 6

• anterior tibiofibular ligament
• posterior talofibular ligament
• anterior talofibular ligament
• calcaneofibular ligament

Question 7

what is the difference between sprain and strain

Answer 7

sprain = stretch or tear to joint ligaments

strain = damage to muscle or tendons

Question 8

are ankles more commonly sprained due to excessive inversion or eversion why?

Answer 8

• inversion
• lateral ligaments of the ankle are not strong enough to oppose this movement
• medial collateral (deltoid) ligaments are far stronger and less frequently damaged

Question 9

what ligament specifically is most likely to be damaged in an inversion injury

Answer 9

anterior talofibular ligament

(calcaneofibular can be affected)

Question 10

sprains typically result in swelling

Question 11

what is the usual cause of eversion injuries

Answer 11

lateral ankle blow to planted foot

Question 12

why is there an avulsion fracture as a result of an eversion injury

Answer 12

• medial deltoid ligament is so strong it can avulse the medial malleolus rather than tear

Question 13

what are you likely to see on an xray of an inversion and eversion injury of ankle

Answer 13

inversion = fracture of the distal end of the fibula

eversion = avulsion of medial malleoli and fibular fracture

Question 14

what are the 3 compartments of the ankle

Answer 14

anterior
lateral
posterior (deep and superficial)

Question 15

what movement is the anterior compartment for

Answer 15

dorsiflexion of ankle
extension of toes
inversion of foot

Question 16

what movement is the lateral compartment for

Answer 16

eversion of foot

Question 17

what movement is the posterior compartment for

Answer 17

plantar flex ankle
flexion of toes
inversion of foot

Question 18

both anterior and posterior compartment of ankle work to invert the foot

Question 19

as you dorsiflex ankle against resistance, you can see the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus, what does this muscle do

Answer 19

extends toes (long muscle)

Question 20

what body landmark do the tendons of the calf muscles attach to

Answer 20

base of 5th metacarpal

Question 21

what is the soleus found in the calf

Answer 21

• park of skeletal muscle pump (its a muscle)
• helps maintain standing posture by pulling body posteriorly to stop it falling forward

Question 22

what is the role of the gastrocnemius muscles in the calfs

Answer 22

fast actions e.g running and jumping

Question 23

what are the 3 arches of the foot

Answer 23

• anterior transverse
• lateral longitudinal
• medial longitudinal

Question 24

what are 3 uses of the arches of the foot

Answer 24

• distribute body weight from talus, back to calcaneus and forwards to sesamoid bones
• allow foot shape to adapt to terrain and walk/jump etc
• acts as electric shock absorber adding spring to step

Question 25

what is plantar fascia

Answer 25

thick triangular shaped layer of dense tissue that protects delicate nerves, vessels, muscles and tendons of foot from whatever ur standing on

Question 26

what is plantar fasciitis, where does this mainly happen and why

Answer 26

inflammation and thickening of plantar fascia - typically occurs at heel and not forefoot as this is where the tendon is narrowest and receives most stress

Question 27

plantar faciitis can be associated with damage caused by calceneal spurs or shortened achilles tendon

Question 28

what is a base of 5h metatarsal fracture also known as

Answer 28

pseudo-jones fracture or dancer fracture

Question 29

identify what plantar fasciitis looks like on scan

Question 30

what is a plantar celcaneal spur

Answer 30

bony outgrowth from the heel