Anatomy Exam Joints of the Lower Limb 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of joint is the proximal tibiofibular joint classified as?
- Plane (gliding) synovial joint (Correct answer)
- Hinge synovial joint
- Pivot synovial joint
- Condyloid synovial joint
Correct answer: Plane (gliding) synovial joint
The proximal tibiofibular joint is a plane synovial joint that allows slight gliding movements, particularly during ankle dorsiflexion.
Question 2: A patient with a positive anterior drawer test at the ankle most likely has damage to the:
- Anterior talofibular ligament (Correct answer)
- Deltoid ligament
- Calcaneofibular ligament
- Spring ligament
Correct answer: Anterior talofibular ligament
The anterior drawer test stresses the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL); excessive anterior translation of the talus indicates ATFL rupture.
Question 3: The spring ligament (plantar calcaneonavicular ligament) primarily supports which structure?
- Head of the talus (Correct answer)
- Cuboid bone
- Base of the fifth metatarsal
- Sustentaculum tali
Correct 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.
Question 4: In which position is the ankle joint most stable (close-packed position)?
- Full dorsiflexion (Correct answer)
- Full plantarflexion
- Neutral (90°)
- Slight plantarflexion
Correct 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.
Question 5: The pes anserine ('goose's foot') refers to the combined insertion of which muscles at the medial tibia?
- Sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus (Correct answer)
- Semimembranosus, gracilis, and sartorius
- Biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gracilis
- Rectus femoris, sartorius, and gracilis
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which ligament of the knee is intracapsular but extrasynovial?
- Anterior cruciate ligament (Correct answer)
- Medial collateral ligament
- Patellar ligament
- Oblique popliteal ligament
Correct answer: Anterior cruciate ligament
The cruciate ligaments are intracapsular (inside the fibrous capsule) but extrasynovial (outside the synovial membrane, which invaginates around them).
Question 7: Coxarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the hip) classically causes pain referred to which area?
- Groin and medial knee (Correct answer)
- Posterior buttock and lateral thigh
- Anterior shin and dorsum of foot
- Lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint
Correct 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.
Anatomy Exam Joints of the Lower Limb 5
Which type of joint is the proximal tibiofibular joint classified as?