Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2024

Spring 2024 • 37

Ankle Joint: Anatomy Review The ankle joint , also known as the talocrural joint, is a hinge joint that connects the lower leg to the foot. It is formed by the articulation of three bones—the tibia, fibula and talus. This joint allows for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, and is surrounded by a dense joint capsule, which is reinforced by several ligaments that provide stability to the joint. 3 The ligaments in the ankle provide stability to the joint. Figure 14 shows all of the ligaments and their locations. The chart describes the location and function of the ligaments. Note the ankle joint movements and range of motion in the chart below.

Figure 14

Deltoid ligament

Tibia

Lateral side

Medial side

Fibula

Anterior inferior tibio bular ligament

Posterior inferior tibio bular ligament

Anterior talo bular ligament

Posterior talo bular ligament

Heel bone

Range of Motion

Joint

Movement

Dorsiflexion 0-15º Plantarflexion 0-45º

Ankle (talocrural) joint

Calcaneo bular ligament

Plantar fascia

Ankle Ligaments Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)

Location

Function

Connects the anterior aspect of the fibula to the talus Connects the calcaneus to the fibula Connects the posterior aspect of the fibula to the talus Connects to the talus, calcaneus, and navicular

Responsible for limiting excessive inversion of the foot Provides additional support against inversion Stabilizes the ankle joint against posterior movement of the talus, which can occur during forceful dorsiflexion Stabilizes the medial side of the ankle and resists excessive eversion of the foot Note each ligament, its location and function in the body in the chart. The distal tibiofibular joint , also known as a syndesmosis joint, is located at the distal end of the tibia and fibula, just above the ankle. This joint is a fibrous joint that is held together by strong ligaments. The syndesmosis joint allows for very little movement and primarily provides stability to the tibia and fibula. Note the tibiofibular ligaments, their location and their function in the chart.

Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)

Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)

Deltoid ligament

Tibiofibular Joints: Anatomy Review The tibiofibular joints are the articulations between the tibia and fibula, which are the two bones of the lower leg. There are two tibiofibular joints—the proximal and the distal tibiofibular joint. The proximal tibiofibular joint is located near the lateral knee between the head of the fibula and a facet on the lateral aspect of the tibia. This joint is a synovial (gliding) joint and allows for minimal gliding and rotation movements. Due to the lack of direct muscular control, this joint is only able to move in response to the dorsiflexion of the ankle.

Pikovit / Shutterstock.com

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