The ankle joint is a synovial joint and is classified as a hinge joint.
It allows for limited movement, primarily in one plane.
Anatomy of the Ankle Joint
Articular Surfaces:
Composed of the lower end of the tibia, including the medial malleolus, the lateral malleolus of the fibula, and the inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament.
The upper part of the ankle joint consists of the talus.
Stability Factors:
The ankle joint is stable due to congruence of the surfaces, leading to an interlocking mechanism.
Strong collateral ligaments contribute to this stability.
Ligaments
Deltoid Ligament (Medial):
Divided into superficial and deep fibers, providing significant strength to the ankle joint.
Composed of several parts: tibio-navicular, anterior tibio-talar, etc.
Lateral Ligaments:
Includes anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments.
Fibrous Capsule:
Surrounds the joint and provides stability but is weak anteriorly and posteriorly.
Relationships of the Ankle Joint
Anterior Side (Medial to Lateral):
Contains tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and anterior tibial vessels.
Posterior Side:
Important to understand the arrangement of muscles, nerves, and vessels.
Movements of the Ankle Joint
Types of Movements:
Dorsiflexion (flexion) and plantar flexion (extension).
Abduction and adduction are also possible but less common.
Clinical Significance
Common injuries include acute sprains and dislocations, often due to sports activities involving inversion.
The ankle joint's movements are essential for walking, especially the ability to raise the heel off the ground during gait.
Conclusion
Understanding the anatomy and movements of the ankle joint is crucial for recognizing its importance in stability and function during physical activities.