Anatomy Joints of the Lower Limb Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient is unable to perform inversion and eversion of the foot following an injury. Damage to which of the following joints is most likely responsible for this deficit?

Accepted Answer

Subtalar joint

Answer

The subtalar joint, formed by the articulation of the talus and calcaneus, is primarily responsible for the movements of inversion and eversion of the foot. The talocrural (ankle) joint is a hinge joint mainly for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.

Question 2

A football player sustains a severe lateral blow to the knee, resulting in the classic 'unhappy triad' injury. Which of the following structures is NOT part of this specific combination of injuries?

Accepted Answer

Lateral meniscus

Answer

The 'unhappy triad,' as classically described by O'Donoghue, involves simultaneous injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the medial meniscus. Although subsequent studies have shown that lateral meniscus tears can also be common with ACL/MCL injuries, the classic triad specifically names the medial meniscus.

Question 3

Which of the following ligaments provides the primary passive support to the medial longitudinal arch of the foot by supporting the head of the talus?

Accepted Answer

Plantar calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament

Answer

The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament, also known as the spring ligament, is the key ligamentous structure that supports the head of the talus and, consequently, is the primary passive supporter of the medial longitudinal arch.

Question 4

The primary function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee joint is to resist which movement?

Accepted Answer

Anterior translation of the tibia on the femur

Answer

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary ligamentous restraint preventing the anterior translation (forward movement) of the tibia relative to the femur. An injury to the ACL often results in significant knee instability.

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with a fracture of the talus. This bone is unique because it articulates with all the following bones EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Cuboid

Answer

The talus articulates with the tibia and fibula superiorly (talocrural joint), the calcaneus inferiorly (subtalar joint), and the navicular anteriorly (talonavicular joint). It does not have a direct articulation with the cuboid bone; the calcaneus articulates with the cuboid.

Anatomy Exam Practice Test

Anatomy Exam Practice Test

Anatomy Joints of the Lower Limb Questions and Answers