1. Introduction
- The ankle
joint is a hinge-type synovial joint.
- It
connects the leg and foot, allowing up and down movements.
- Also
called the talocrural joint.
2. Articular Surfaces
- Formed by:
- Lower end
of tibia
- Medial
malleolus of tibia
- Lateral
malleolus of fibula
- These
three bones form a socket (mortise).
- Articulates
with the superior surface of the talus (trochlea).
3. Ligaments
a) Medial (Deltoid) Ligament –
strong, fan-shaped
- Tibionavicular
- Tibiocalcaneal
- Anterior
tibiotalar
- Posterior
tibiotalar
b) Lateral Ligaments – thinner
and weaker
- Anterior
talofibular
- Posterior
talofibular
- Calcaneofibular
Mnemonic for lateral ligaments: "Always Pass
Carefully"
(Ant. Talofibular, Post. Talofibular, Calcaneofibular)
4. Relations
Anterior
- Tendons:
Tibialis anterior, Extensor hallucis longus, Extensor digitorum longus
- Deep
peroneal nerve
- Anterior
tibial artery
Posterior
- Tendons:
Tibialis posterior, Flexor digitorum longus, Flexor hallucis longus
- Tibial
nerve
- Posterior
tibial artery
Medial
- Deltoid
ligament
- Tendons of
tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus
Lateral
- Lateral
ligaments
- Tendons of
peroneus longus and brevis
Superior
- Tibia and
fibula forming mortise
Inferior
- Talus bone
5. Blood Supply
- Branches
from:
- Anterior
tibial artery
- Posterior
tibial artery
- Peroneal
artery
6. Nerve Supply
- Deep
peroneal nerve (anterior)
- Tibial
nerve (posterior)
Mnemonic: “DT” = Deep peroneal, Tibial
7. Movements
- Plantar
flexion (pointing foot down) – e.g., tiptoe
- Dorsiflexion (lifting
foot up) – e.g., walking on heels
Muscles Involved:
- Dorsiflexion: Tibialis
anterior, Extensor hallucis longus, Extensor digitorum longus
- Plantar
flexion: Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Tibialis posterior
8. Clinical Anatomy
- Sprained
Ankle – common injury, usually due to tearing of lateral ligaments (esp.
anterior talofibular ligament)
- Fracture-dislocation – due to
twisting injuries
- Arthritis –
inflammation of the joint causing pain and stiffness
Tags
ANATOMY