Ankle Joint

Description

Normal mortise radiograph of the ankle showing the articular components of the distal fibula, tibia and talus

• Alternate names
  • Talocrural Joint
• Osseous Components
  • Articular component of distal Fibula (Lateral Malleolus), Tibia (Medial Malleolus)
  • Trochlear dome of the Talus
• Synovial joint
• Ankle Mortise
  • Defined by medial and lateral malleoli and the distal tibial plafond

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Stabilizers

• Lateral Ligaments
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament: ATFL, CFL, PTFL
  • Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)
  • Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL)
  • Posterior Talofibular Ligament (PTFL)
• Medial Ligaments
  • Deltoid Ligament

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Actions

Illustration of lateral view of ankle joint with ligaments, bones and tendons labeled

• Hinge joint permitting dorsiflexion and plantarflexion
  • Dorsal flexion (50°)
  • Plantar flexion (20°)
• Axis of motion is rotated laterally 20–30°, inclined downward 10°
  • Occurs because fibular malleolus extends more distally and posteriorly than the tibial malleoli
• Surface of talus is wider anteriorly and also cone shaped, apex pointing medially
  • Dorsiflexion: abduction, eversion
  • Plantarflexion: adduction, inversion

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Vascular Supply

• Malleolar branches of
  • Anterior Tibial Artery
  • Posterior Tibial Artery
  • Fibular Artery

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Innervation

• Branches of
  • Tibial Nerve
  • Superficial Fibular Nerve
  • Deep Fibular Nerve

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Clinical Significance

• Lateral Ankle Sprain
• Ankle Fracture
• Ankle Dislocation

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See Also

• Ankle Pain (Main)
• Foot And Ankle Anatomy

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