Tibialis posterior

Tibialis posterior is one of the most central muscles in the leg. Located in the deep posterior compartment of the leg, it is the key stabilizing muscle of the lower leg.

Anatomy

The tibialis posterior originates on the inner posterior borders of the tibia and fibula. It is also attached to the interosseous membrane, which attaches the tibia and fibula. The tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle (sometimes called the posterior tibial tendon) descends down the leg and under the medial malleolus (the bony prominence on the inside of the ankle). The end of the tendon attaches to the bones of the midfoot and rearfoot.

Function

The tibialis posterior serves to invert and plantarflex the foot at the ankle, and provides dynamic support for the medial arch of the foot.

Clinical significance

Damage to the tibialis posterior can cause a flat-footed condition known as adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). This condition is usually progressive, beginning with inflammation and dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, leading to an increasingly flat foot, which may eventually result in arthritis in the hindfoot.

See also

• Tibialis anterior
• Tibialis posterior syndrome

References

Tibialis posterior Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia