Joints of the Lower Limb Flashcards

Which type of joint is the proximal tibiofibular joint classified as?

Answer: Plane (gliding) synovial joint

The proximal tibiofibular joint is a plane synovial joint that allows slight gliding movements, particularly during ankle dorsiflexion.

A patient with a positive anterior drawer test at the ankle most likely has damage to the:

Answer: Anterior talofibular ligament

The anterior drawer test stresses the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL); excessive anterior translation of the talus indicates ATFL rupture.

The spring ligament (plantar calcaneonavicular ligament) primarily supports which structure?

Answer: Head of the talus

The spring ligament supports the head of the talus from below, helping maintain the medial longitudinal arch; its insufficiency contributes to flatfoot deformity.

In which position is the ankle joint most stable (close-packed position)?

Answer: Full dorsiflexion

Full dorsiflexion is the ankle's close-packed position because the wider anterior part of the talus is wedged between the malleoli, maximizing joint congruency.

The pes anserine ('goose's foot') refers to the combined insertion of which muscles at the medial tibia?

Answer: Sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus

The pes anserine is the conjoint insertion of sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus tendons on the anteromedial tibia, named for its resemblance to a goose's foot.

Which ligament of the knee is intracapsular but extrasynovial?

Answer: Anterior cruciate ligament

The cruciate ligaments are intracapsular (inside the fibrous capsule) but extrasynovial (outside the synovial membrane, which invaginates around them).

Coxarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the hip) classically causes pain referred to which area?

Answer: Groin and medial knee

Hip joint pain is characteristically referred to the groin and can extend to the medial knee via the obturator nerve, which supplies both the hip joint and knee region.