Anatomy of the Feet

Which of the following muscle tendons travels through the tarsal tunnel?

• Tibialis anterior

• Gastrocnemius

• Extensor hallucis longus

• Flexor digitorum longus

Answer explanation

The flexor digitorum longus, tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus tendons travel through the tarsal tunnel.

Complete the sentence: The roof of the tarsal tunnel is formed by the flexor retinaculum which spans between the ____________ and the medial tubercle of the calcaneus

• Calcaneal tuberosity

• Medial malleolus

• Body of the talus

• Navicular

Answer explanation

The flexor retinaculum spans obliquely between the medial malleolus and the medial tubercle of the calcaneus to form the roof of the tarsal tunnel.

Where would a patient be most likely to experience altered sensation in tarsal tunnel syndrome?

• 1st webbed space of the foot

• Plantar surface of the foot

• Anterolateral leg

• Medial one and a half toes

Answer explanation

Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to entrapment and compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel. Patients may experience altered sensation in the sensory distribution of the tibial nerve – the sole of the foot

What type of synovial joint is the ankle?

• Bicondylar

• Plane

• Hinge

• Saddle

Answer explanation

The ankle is a hinge type synovial joint, and allows for flexion and extension.

On your left is an illustration of the ankle joint. Which label corresponds to the anterior talofibular ligament?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which of the following ligaments acts to resist over-inversion at the ankle joint?

• Medial ligament

• Deltoid ligament

• Anterior talofibular ligament

• Tibiocalcaneal ligament

Answer explanation

The anterior talofibular ligament is part of the lateral ligament complex - which resists over inversion.