Anatomy of the Ankle Joint

Articulation

1. 1.      Articulation of inferior (distal) end of tibea with superior surface of talus.
2. 2.      Medially by articulation of tibial malleolus with medial surface of talus.
3. 3.      Laterally by articulation of fibula malleolus with lateral surface of talus.
4. 4.      Fibula malleolus extends further distally than tibial malleolus.

Type of Joint

Synovial Hinge Joint.

Movement

1. 1.      Dorsiflexion – drawing foot upward towards tibia from full plantar flexion range.
2. 2.      Plantar Flexion – pressing foot downward away from tibia from full dorsiflexion range.
3. 3.      With Foot Joint Inversion – A turning in of the sole towards the mid- line.
4. 4.      With Foot Joint Eversion – A turning out of the sole away from the mid- line.

 Ligaments

1. 1.      Capsule – attached to articular margins. Completely encloses joint. Lined with synovial membrane.
2. 2.      Anterior – thickening of the capsule.
3. 3.      Posterior – thickening of the capsule.
4. 4.      Medial – sometimes called the Deltoid Ligament. Strengthens joint medially. It is strong and triangular shaped. Its apex is attached to the medial malleolus. Base fans into 3 bands.
5. 5.      Lateral Ligament – strengthens joint on the lateral side. Also strong and triangular shaped.

Apex attaches to lateral malleolus. Base divides into 3 bands.

a) Anterior Band (TaloFibular) – passes forward and attaches to talus

b) Middle Band (Calcaneo Fibular) – passes down vertically

c) Posteriot Band – passes horizontally backwards to talus

Added by :Eddie Jackman
Acupuncturist,Physical Therapist and Sports Therapist based in Waterford
For treatments or appointments please call 087 6701166