biomechanics of foot and ankle discusses the bony components of foot and ankle and discusses the architectural organization of the foot, and discusses the importance of ligamentous and muscular structures of foot and ankle that supports the joint and helps in locomotion.
2. INTRODUCTION
The foot and ankle form a complex system
which consists of: 28 bones
33 joints
112 ligaments
controlled by: 13 extrinsic muscles &
21 intrinsic muscles
3. CONT’D
The foot is sub divided into the:
rear foot
mid foot
fore foot
o It functions as a rigid structure for weight
bearing and it can also function as a flexible
structure to conform to uneven terrain
4. CONT’D
The foot and ankle provide various important
functions which include:
o Supporting body weight
o Providing balance
o Shock absorption
o Transferring ground reaction force
o Compensating for proximal mal alignment
o Substituting hand function in individuals with upper
extremity amputation/paralysis
7. BODY OF TALUS
MEDIAL [TIBIAL] FACET
HEAD OF TALUS
NAVICULAR
CUBOID
HEAD OF CALCANEUS
LATERAL [FIBULAR] FACET OF TALUS
8. TALOCRURAL JOINT
The talocrural joint is formed between the
distal tibia, fibula and talus and is
commonly known as "ANKLE JOINT"
The distal and inferior aspect of the tibia
known as- plafond, is connected to the
fibula via tibio-fibular ligaments, forming a
strong mortise which articulates with the
talar dome distally.
It is a hinge joint and allows dorsi flexion
& plantar flexion movements in the
“SAGITTAL PLANE”
11. ■ CAPSULE AND LIGAMENTS
The capsule of the ankle joint is fairly thin and
especially weak anteriorly and posteriorly
the stability of the ankle depends on an intact
ligamentous structure
The ligaments that support the proximal and
distal tibio fibular joints (the crural tibiofibular
interosseous ligament, the anterior and posterior
tibiofibular ligaments, and the tibiofibular
interosseous membrane) are important for
stability of the mortise and, therefore, for stability
of the ankle.
12. CONT’D
Two other major ligaments maintain contact
and congruence of the mortise and talus and
control medial-lateral joint stability.
These are the MEDIAL COLLATERAL
LIGAMENT (MCL) and the LATERAL
COLLATERAL LIGAMENT (LCL).
The mcl most commonly called as
DELTOID LIGAMENT
The lcl is composed of 3 separate bands
that are commonly reffered to as separate
ligaments
These are anterior and posterior talo fibular
and calcaneo fibular ligaments
13.
14.
15.
16. TALO CRURAL JOINT
The tip of the medial malleoli is anterior
and superior to lateral malleoli, which
makes its axis oblique to both the sagittal
and frontal planes.
The axis of rotation is approximately 13-
18° laterally from frontal plane and at an
angle of 8-10° from the transverse plane
17. CONT’D
Motion in other planes is required(like
horizontal and frontal plane) to achieve a
complete motion for plantar flexion and
dorsi flexion
The available range for dorsi flexion is: 0-30°
and plantar flexion range is: 0-55°
22. TIBIALIS ANTERIOR
Origin Proximal 2/3 of
the lateral surface of the
tibia and interosseous
membrane
Insertion Medial and
plantar aspects of the
medial cuneiform and the
base of the first
metatarsal
Innervation Deep branch
of the peroneal n.
Action Dorsiflexion,
inversion
23. PERONEUS TERTIUS
Origin Distal 1/3 of the
medial surface of the fibula
and adjacent interosseous
membrane
Insertion Dorsal surface
of the base of the 5th
metatarsal
Innervation Deep
branch of the peroneal n.
Action Dorsiflexion,
eversion
24. EXTENSOR DIGITORM LONGUS
Origin Lateral condyle
of the tibia, proximal 2/3 of
the medial surface of the
fibula and adjacent
interosseous membrane
Insertion Splits into 4
tendons that attach to the
proximal base of the dorsal
surface of the middle and
distal phalanges
Innervation Deep
branch of the peroneal n.
Action Extension of all
joints of toes 2-5 (MTP, PIP
and DIP joints)
25. EXTENSOR HALLUCIS LONGUS
Origin Middle section of
the fibula and adjacent
interosseous membrane
Insertion Dorsal base of the
distal phalanx of the great toe
Innervation Deep
branch of the peroneal n.
Action Extension of the
great toe, dorsiflexion
26. GASTROCNEMIUS
Origin Medial head:
posterior aspect of the
medial femoral condyle
Lateral head: posterior
aspect of the lateral femoral
condyle
Insertion Calcaneal
tuberosity via the Achilles
tendon
Innervation Tibial n.
Action Plantar flexion,
flexion of the knee
27. SOLEUS
Origin Proximal 1/3
of the posterior fibula
and fibular head and
posterior aspect of the
tibia
Insertion Calcaneal
tuberosity via the
Achilles tendon
Innervation Tibial n.
Action Plantar flexion
of the foot at ankle
28. PLANTARIS
Origin Lateral
supracondylar line of the
femur
Insertion Medial aspect of
the Achilles tendon to insert
on the calcaneal tuberosity
Innervation Tibial n.
Action Plantar flexion,
initiates knee flexion
29. PERONEUS LONGUS
Origin Lateral condyle
of the tibia, head and
proximal 2/3 of the lateral
surface of the fibula
Insertion Lateral surface
of the medial cuneiform
and plantar base of the 1st
metatarsal
Innervation
Superficial branch of
the peroneal n.
Action eversion , plantar
flexion
30. TIBIALIS POSTERIOR
Origin Proximal 2/3 of
the posterior aspect of
the tibia, fibula, and
interosseous membrane
Insertion Multiple
attachments to every
tarsal except the talus,
also attaches to the
bases of metatarsals 2-4,
it’s the most prominent
insertion on the navicular
tuberosity
Innervation Tibial n.
Action Plantar flexion,
inversion
31. FLEXOR DIGITORUM LONGUS
Origin Posterior surface of
the middle 1/3 of the tibia
Insertion By 4 separate
tendons to the base of the
distal phalanx of the 4 lesser
toes
Innervation Tibial n.
Action Flexion of toes 2-
5, plantar flexion, inversion
32. FLEXOR HALLUCIS LONGUS
Origin Distal 2/3 of the
posterior fibula
Insertion Plantar
surface of the base of
the distal phalanx of
the great toe
Innervation Tibial n.
Action Flexion of the
great toe, plantar
flexion, inversion
33. SUB TALAR JOINT
It is also known as
the TALO
CALCANEAL JOINT
It is formed between
the talus and
calcaneus
The talus has three
facets[anterior,
middle, & posterior]
which articulate
inferiorly with
calcaneus
35. SUB TALAR JOINT
The axis of the sub
talar joint lies about
42° superiorly to the
sagittal plane and
about 16 to 23°
medial to the
transverse plane
The literature
presents vast ranges
of sub talar motion
ranging from 5 to 65°
36. CONT’D
The average rom for pronation is 5° and
supination is 20°
Inversion and eversion rom has been
identified as 13° and 18° respectively
Total inversion and eversion motion is
about 2:1 (or) 3:2, ratio of inversion to
eversion movement
37.
38. LIGAMENTS
The subtalar joint is a
stable joint that rarely
dislocates.
It receives ligamentous
support from the
ligamentous structures
that support the ankle, as
well as from ligamentous
structures that cross the
subtalar joint alone.
The cervical ligament,
and the interosseous
talocalcaneal ligament.
39.
40. 2. SUB TALAR JOINT
Secondary to the anatomy of the sub talar
joint, the coupled motion of dorsiflexion,
abduction & eversion produces pronation
Where as the coupled motion of plantar
flexion, adduction & inversion produces
supination
It presents 2 point of articutalions anterior
talo calcaneal articulation & posterior talo
calcaneal articulation
41. CONT’D
During open kinematic chain inversion,
the calcaneus rolls into inversion & it
glides/ slide laterally
And during eversion, the calcaneus
rolls into evrsion & it glides/ slides
medially
44. TIBIALIS ANTERIOR
Origin Proximal 2/3 of
the lateral surface of the
tibia and interosseous
membrane
Insertion Medial and
plantar aspects of the
medial cuneiform and the
base of the first
metatarsal
Innervation Deep branch
of the peroneal n.
Action Dorsiflexion,
inversion
45. TIBIALIS POSTERIOR
Origin Proximal 2/3 of
the posterior aspect of
the tibia, fibula, and
interosseous membrane
Insertion Multiple
attachments to every
tarsal except the talus,
also attaches to the
bases of metatarsals 2-4,
it’s the most prominent
insertion on the navicular
tuberosity
Innervation Tibial n.
Action Plantar flexion,
inversion
46. FLEXOR HALLUCIS LONGUS
Origin Distal 2/3 of the
posterior fibula
Insertion Plantar
surface of the base of
the distal phalanx of
the great toe
Innervation Tibial n.
Action Flexion of the
great toe, plantar
flexion, inversion
47. PERONEUS LONGUS
Origin Lateral condyle
of the tibia, head and
proximal 2/3 of the lateral
surface of the fibula
Insertion Lateral surface
of the medial cuneiform
and plantar base of the 1st
metatarsal
Innervation
Superficial branch of
the peroneal n.
Action eversion , plantar
flexion
48. PERONEUS BREVIS
Origin Distal 2/3 of the
lateral surface of the fibula
Insertion Styloid process
of the 5th metatarsal
Innervation Superficial
branch of the peroneal n.
Action Plantar flexion,
eversion
49. PERONEUS TERTIUS
Origin Distal 1/3 of the
medial surface of the fibula
and adjacent interosseous
membrane
Insertion Dorsal surface
of the base of the 5th
metatarsal
Innervation Deep
branch of the peroneal n.
Action Dorsiflexion,
eversion
50. EXTENSOR DIGITORM LONGUS
Origin Lateral condyle
of the tibia, proximal 2/3 of
the medial surface of the
fibula and adjacent
interosseous membrane
Insertion Splits into 4
tendons that attach to the
proximal base of the dorsal
surface of the middle and
distal phalanges
Innervation Deep
branch of the peroneal n.
Action Extension of all
joints of toes 2-5 (MTP, PIP
and DIP joints)
51. MID TARSAL JOINT
Also known as TRANSVERSE TARSAL JOINT/
CHOPARTS JOINT
It is an S shaped joint when viewed from
above and consists of 2 joints:
1. TALO NAVICULAR
2. CALCANEO CUBOID
52.
53. TALO NAVICULAR JOINT
Formed between
the anterior talar
head and the
concavity on the
navicular
It does not have its
own capsule, but
rather shares one
with the two
anterior
talocalcaneal
articulations
54. CALCANEO CUBOID JOINT
Formed between the anterior facet of the
calcaneus and the posterior cuboid
Both articulating surfaces present a
convex and concave surface with the joint
Being convex vertically & concave
transversely very little movement occurs
at this joint
55. MID TARSAL JOINT
The mid tarsal joint rotates at two axes
due to its anatomy, making its motion
complex
Longitudinal axis lies about 15°
superior to the horizontal plane and
about 10° medial to longitudinal plane
Oblique axis lies about 52° superior to
the horizontal plane and 57° from mid
line
56. CONT’D
The longitudinal axis is close to the
sub talar joint axis and the oblique axis
is similar to the talo crural joint axis
60. TRANSVERSE TARSAL JOINT FUNCTION
The subtalar and the transverse tarsal joints are
linked mechanically.
Any weight-bearing subtalar motion includes talar
abduction/adduction and dorsiflexion/plantarflexion
that also causes motion at the talonavicular joint and
calcaneal inversion/eversion that causes motion at
the calcaneocuboid joint.
Weight-bearing subtalar motion, therefore, must
involve the entire transverse tarsal joint.
As the subtalar joint supinates, its linkage to the
Transverse tarsal joint causes both the talonavicular
joint and the calcaneocuboid joint to begin to
supinate also
62. MT JOINT LOCKING
An important function of the foot is
propulsion of weight during stance
phase
This function is made possible by MT
joint locking and unlocking
During heel strike, the foot needs to be
flexible in order to adjust to the surface
and the MT joint unlocks to provide
this flexibility
63. CONT’D
Later in the gait cycle, the foot then needs to
act as a rigid lever to propel the weight of the
body forward which is made possible bymt
joint locking
During pronation/ eversion of the foot the
axis of the TN & CC joints are parallel to
each other, making it easier for them to
independently move and unlock the MT joint
The axes cross each other during
supination/inversion which locks the MT joint
making it difficult to move
64. CONT’D
Black wood et al concluded in the
study that there is incresed fore foot
movement when calcaneus is everted
This is consisted with the MT joint
locking mechanism
65. 3.MID TARSAL JOINT
For TALO NAVICULAR joint the
concave navicular moves on convex
talus & hence the roll & glide is in the
same direction of movement
The CALCANEO CUBOID joint is a
saddle joint so the direction changes
depending on the movement
66. CONT’D
During flexion – extension the cuboid is
concave & the calcaneus is covex; hence
the roll and glide occurs in the same
direction as the talo navicular joint
During abduction – adduction, however
the cuboid is convex & calcaneus is
concave & therefore the roll & glide
occurs in the opposite direction
67. TARSO META TARSAL(TMT)
JOINT COMPLEX
Also known as LIS FRANC’S JOINT
The distal tarsal rows including the three
cuneiform bones and cuboid articulate with
the base of each metatarsal to form the TMT
complex
It is an plane synovial joint and is divided
into 3 distinct columns
68. CONT’D
MEDIAL – composed of 1st metatarsal and
medial cuneiform it has its own articular
capsule
MIDDLE - composed of 2nd and 3rd
metatarsals and lateral cunieforms
respectively
LATERAL – composed of 4th & 5th
metatarals and cuboid; it also divides the
mid foot from fore foot
69. LIS FRANC JOINT COMPLEX
The degree of sagittal motion for each TMT
joint is:
TMT JOINT DEGREE OF
MOTION
1st 1.6°
2nd 0.6°
3rd 3.5°
4th 9.6°
5th 10.2°
70. IP JOINT
MTP JOINT
TMT JOINT
BODY OF TALUS
TMT JOINT
MCP JOINT
PIP JOINT
DIP JOINT
AXIS OF 5TH RAY
AXIS OF 1ST RAY
71. TARSO METATARSAL JOINT FUNCTION
The motions of the TMT joints are interdependent,
as are the motions of the CMC joints in the hand.
Like the CMC joints of the hand, the TMT joints
contribute to hollowing and flattening of the foot.
In weightbearing, the TMT joints function primarily
to augment the function of the transverse tarsal
joint;
That is, the TMT joints attempt to regulate position
of the metatarsals and phalanges (the forefoot) in
relation to the weight-bearing surface.
72. 4. LIS FRANC JOINT
Secondary to bony ligamentous anatomy of
the complex, its primary role is stability of
the mid foot & has a very little movement
It has 3 distinct arches & the main stabilizing
structure of TMT joint is a Y shaped
ligament known as LISFRANC’S
LIGAMENT
73. DORSI
FLEXION
PLANTAR
FLEXION
FIRST RAY INVERSION AND
SLIGHTLY ADDUCTION
EVERSION AND SLIGHT
ABDUCTION
SECOND RAY SLIGHT INVERSION SLIGHT EVERSION
THIRD RAY -------- --------
FOURTH RAY SLIGHT EVERSION SLIGHT INVERSION
FIFTH RAY EVERSION , SLIGHT
ABDUCTION
INVERSION , SLIGHT
ADDUCTION
74. SUPINATION TWIST
When the hind foot pronates to any substantial
degree the transverse tarsal joint generally
supinate to countervrotate the foot
The first and second ray will be pushedinto
dorsiflexion by the ground reaction force, and the
muscles controlling the fourth and fifth rays will
plantarflex
The TMT joints in an attempt to maintain contact
with the ground.
75. CONT,D
Both dorsiflexion of the first andsecond rays
and plantarflexion of the fourth and fifthrays
include the component motion of inversion
of the ray.
Consequently, the entire forefoot (each ray
and its associated toe) undergoes an
inversion rotation around a hypothetical axis
at the second ray
This rotation is referred to as supination
twist of the TMT joints
76. PRONATION TWIST
When both the hindfoot and the transverse
tarsal joints are locked in supination, the
adjustment of forefoot position must be left
entirely to the TMT joints.
With hindfoot supination, the forefoot tends
to lift off the ground on its medial side and
press into the ground on its lateral side.
77. CONT,D
The muscles controlling the first and second
rays will cause the rays to plantarflex in
order to maintain contact with the ground,
whereas the fourth and fifth rays are forced
into dorsiflexion by the ground reaction
force.
Because eversion accompanies both
plantarflexion of the first and second rays
and dorsiflexion of the fourth and fifth rays,
the forefoot as a whole undergoes a
pronation twist
78. META TARSO PHALANGEAL(MTP) &
INTER PHALANGEAL(IP) JOINTS
The MTP joints are formed between the
meta tarsal heads and the corresponding
bases of the proximal phalanx
The inter phalangeal joints of the toes are
formed between the phalanges of the toes
Each toe has proximal and distal IP joints
except for the great toe which only has one
IP joint
79. MTP AND IP JOINTS
The MTP joints are bi axial & move in sagittal
and transverse planes. MTP joints have a
greater sagittal plane movement and very
little transverse plane movement
At the MTP joints, hyper extension is about
90° & flexion is about 30 to 45°.
IP joints are hinge joints which limit motion in
one direction
80. METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT FUNCTION
The MTP joints have two degrees of freedom,
But flexion/extension motion is much greater than
abduction/adduction motion, and extension
exceeds flexion.
Although MTP motions can occur in weight-
bearing or non–weight-bearing,
The MTP joints serve primarily to allow the
weight-bearing foot to rotate over the toes through
MTP extension (known as the metatarsal break)
when rising on the toes or during walking
81. MTP & IP JOINTS
Glide and roll is in the same direction as the
movement for the MTP joints as the concave
base of the phalanx moves on the convex
head of metatarsal
The same is true for the IP joints where glide
& roll is in the same direction as the concave
distal convex moves on the convex proximal
phalanx
82. IP JOINT FUNCTION
The interphalangeal (IP) joints of the toes
are synovial hinge joints with one degree of
freedom: flexion/Extension
The toes function to smooth the weight shift
to the opposite foot in gait and help maintain
stability by pressing against the ground in
standing.
83. INTRINSIC MUSCLES OF THE FOOT
Flexor digitorum brevis
ABDuctor Hallucis
ABDuctor digiti minimi
Dorsal interossei
(ABDuctors)
Plantar interossei
(ADDuctors)
Lumbricals
Flexor Hallucis Brevis
ADDuctor Hallucis
Extensor Digiti Minimi
84. JOINT TYPE OF
JOINT
PLANE OF
MOVEMENT
MOTION
TC JOINT HINGE SAGITTAL DORSI &
PLANTAR
FLEXION
ST JOINT CONDYLOID MAINLY
TRANSVERSE,
SOME SAGITTAAL
INVERSION &
EVERSION
DF & PF
MT JOINT TN-BALL&SOCKET
CC-MODIFIED
SADDLE
LARGRLY IN
TRANSVERSE,
SOME SAGITTAL
INVERSION &
EVERSION
FLEX & EXT
TMT JOINT PLANAR
MTP JOINT CONDYLOID SAGITTAL SOME
TRANSVERSE
FLEX & EXT
ABD & ADD
IP JOINT HINGE SAGITTAL FLEXION &
EXTENSION
86. INFLUENCE OF KINETIC
CHAIN
As discussed above with MT joint locking
the transition of foot from pronation to
supination is an important function that
assist in adapting to uneven terrain & acting
as a rigid lever during push off
During pronation, MT joint unlocks providing
flexibility of the foot & assists in maintaining
balance
During supination, MT joint locks providing
rigidity of the foot & maximizing stabilty
87. CONT’D
If the foot stucked pronated, this would lead to
hyper mobility of the mid foot and placing
greater demand on the neuromuscular
structure stabilize foot and maintaining upright
stance
Whereas if foot is stucked supinated the mid
foot would be hypo mobile which would
compensate the ability of the foot to adjust to
the terrain and increasing demand on the
surrounding sructure to maintain postural
stability and balance
88. CONT’D
Cote etal concluded that postural stability is
affected by positioning under static and
dynamic conditions
Chain reaction occurs secondary to the
positioning of foot
89. CONT’D
In closed chain movement following
kinetic reaction with over pronated foot
takes place
Calcaneal eversion
Adduction & plantar flexion of talus
Medial rotation of talus
Medial rotation of tibia & fibula
Valgus at knee
Medial rotation of femur
Anterior tilting of pelvis
90. CONT’D
In closed chain movement following
kinetic chain reaction with over
supinated foot takes place
Calcaneal inversion
Abduction & dorsiflexion of talus
Lateral rotation of tibia & fibula
Varus at knee
Lateral rotation of femur
Posterior tilting of pelvis
92. The arches of foot provide functions of force
absorption,base of support and acts as a
rigid lever during gait propulsion
The 3 arches of the foot are:
Medial longitudinal arch
Lateral longitudinal arch
Transverse arch
93. MEDIAL LONGITUDINAL ARCH
It is the longest & highest of all the arches
Bony components of MLA include
calcaneus, talus, navicular, & 3 cunieform
bones & 1st 3 meta tarsal
Consists of 2 pillars:
ANTERIOR PILLAR: consists of 3 meta
tarsal heads
POSTERIOR PILLAR: consists of tuberosity
of calcaneus
Plantar apponeurosis forms the supporting
beam connecting the 2 pillars
94. CONT’D
Apex of MLA is superior articular surface of
talus
In addition to plantar apponeurosis the MLA
is supported by SPRING LIGAMENT &
DELTOID LIGAMENT
Tibialis anterior and posterior muscles play
an important role in raising the medial border
of the arch
Flexor hallucis longus acts as a bow string
95.
96. LATERAL LONGITUDINAL ARCH
It is the lowest arch & comprises of
calcaneus, cuboid & 4th & 5th metatarsal as
its bony component
Like MLA the posterior pillar consists of
tuberosity of calcaneus
Anterior pillar is formed by meta tarsal
heads of 4th & 5th meta tarsals
97. CONT’D
Plantar apponeurosis and long & short
plantar ligaments provide support for LLA
Peroneus longus tendon play an important
role in maintaining the lateral border of the
arch
98.
99. TRANSVERSE ARCH
It is concave in non weight bearing which
runs medial to lateral in mid tarsal & tarso
meta tarsal area
The bony component of the arch consists of
meta tarsal heads, cuboids and 3 cunieform
bones
The medial and lateral pillar of the arch is
formed by medial and lateral longitudinal
arch
100. CONT’D
The arch is maintained by posterior tibialis
tendon and peroneus longus tendon
Cross the plantar surface from medial to
lateral and lateral to medial respectively
101.
102. WINDLASS MECHANISM
The plantar aponeurosis acts similarly as
windlass mechanism
Windlass is typically a horizontal cylinder
that rotates with a crank or belt on a chain
or rope to pull a heavy object
Common use of windlass is seen in pulling
the anchor of ship known as anchor
windlass
This mechanism can be seen in foot
103. CONT’D
When the mtp joints are hyper extended,
the plantar aponeurosis becomes taut as it
is wrapped around the mtp joints
This action brings the meta tarsal and tarsal
bones together converting it into a rigid
structure and eventually causing the
longitudinal arches to raise
This function is important in providing a rigid
lever for gait propulsion during push off