Tibiotalar Joint (Talocrural Joint)
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| Tibiotalar Joint (Talocrural Joint) | |
|---|---|
| Primary Type | Diarthrodial hinge joint"Diarthrodial hinge joint" is not in the list (Synovial Joint, Cartilaginous Joint, Fibrous Joint, Compound Joint) of allowed values for the "Has joint type" property. |
| Secondary Type | |
| Bones | |
| Ligaments | |
| Muscles | |
| Innervation | |
| Vasculature | |
| ROM | Plantarflexion and dorsiflexion |
| Volume | |
| Conditions | |
The tibiotalar joint is formed by the junction between the distal tibia and fibula and the talus. The tibial-talar aspect bears the load. A mortise is formed by the distal aspects of the tibia and fibula, and the trochlea of the talus fits into this. The malleoli of the tibia and fibula constrain the talus forming a hinge joint providing plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the foot.
The hinge terminology is somewhat of a simplification. The trochlea surface is cone-shaped and it has an oblique rotation axis. The talus is widest anteriorly, leading to the joint being most stable in a position of dorsiflexion.
Stability is provided by the joint geometry (especially in the stance phase of the gait) and the soft tissue structures.
The joint has a thin capsule that attaches to the tibia, malleoli, and talus.
There are three groups of ligaments that provide stability
- Tibiofibular syndemosis. This limits motion between the tibia and fibula. There are three parts - the anterior tibiofibular ligament, the posterior tibiofibular ligament, and the interosseous tibiofibular ligament
- Medial collateral ligaments (deltoid ligaments). These resist eversion and valgus stresses. It is fan shaped and has anterior and posterior tibiotalar ligaments, the tibionavicular ligament, and the tibiocalcaneal ligament
- Lateral collateral ligaments. These protect against inversion of the joint limiting varus stresses and reduce rotation. They are the anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments and the calcaneofibular ligament. The lateral ligaments are frequently injured during inversion injuries. The calcaneofibular ligament is the only direct soft tissue connection between the tibiotalar and subtalar joint.
