Articulatio talocruralis

Articulatio Talocruralis is the medical term for the ankle joint, a synovial hinge joint located in the lower limb. It is formed by the bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula, and the talus of the foot. The articulatio talocruralis is responsible for the up-and-down movement of the foot.

Anatomy

The articulatio talocruralis is a complex structure composed of three bones: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and fibula form a bracket-shaped socket, known as the mortise, which the talus fits into. The joint is stabilized by a series of ligaments, including the deltoid ligament on the medial side, and the anterior talofibular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament, and calcaneofibular ligament on the lateral side.

Function

The primary movements of the articulatio talocruralis are dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Dorsiflexion is the movement of raising the foot upwards towards the shin, while plantarflexion is the movement of lowering the foot, pointing the toes downward.

Clinical Significance

Injuries to the articulatio talocruralis, such as ankle sprains and ankle fractures, are common and can result from activities such as sports, falls, or awkward foot placements. Treatment for these injuries can range from rest and physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.

See Also

• Ankle
• Tibia
• Fibula
• Talus (bone)
• Deltoid ligament
• Anterior talofibular ligament
• Posterior talofibular ligament
• Calcaneofibular ligament