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Orthopedist

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Ankle joint

Alexey Kryvenko, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025

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The ankle joint (art. talocruralis) is complex in structure, block-shaped, formed by the articular surface of the tibia and the articular surfaces of the talus block, as well as the articular surfaces of the medial and lateral malleoli. The tibia and fibula embrace the talus block like a fork. The joint capsule is attached at the back and sides along the edges of the articulating articular surfaces, and at the front 0.5 cm away from them. The ligaments are located on the lateral surfaces of the joint. On the lateral side of the joint are the anterior and posterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. All ligaments begin on the lateral malleolus and diverge fan-shaped. The anterior talofibular ligament (lig. talofibulare anterius) goes to the neck of the talus, the posterior talofibular ligament (lig. talofibulare posterius) goes to the posterior process of the talus. The calcaneofibular ligament (lig. calcaneofibulare) goes down and ends on the outer surface of the calcaneus. On the medial surface of the ankle joint is located the medial (deltoid) ligament (lig. mediale, seu deltoideum). It begins on the medial malleolus and is divided into four parts that attach to the navicular, talus and calcaneus bones: the tibionavicular part (pars tibionaviculare), the tibiocalcaneal part (pars tibiocalcanea), and the anterior and posterior tibiotalar parts (partes tibiotalares anterior et posterior).

In the ankle joint, flexion (downward movement of the foot) and extension are possible with a total volume of up to 70°. Flexion and extension are performed relative to the frontal axis. During flexion, small oscillatory movements to the sides are possible.

Movements of the foot in the ankle and talocalcaneonavicular joints occur around the frontal axis (flexion - extension) by up to 70°, abduction - adduction - up to 60°, rotation around the longitudinal axis (pronation - supination) - 20°.

Flex the foot: triceps surae, long flexor of the toes, posterior tibialis, long flexor of the big toe.

Extend the foot: anterior tibialis muscle, long extensor of the big toe, long extensor of the fingers.

Adduct the foot: anterior and posterior tibialis muscles.

Abduct the foot: peroneus longus, peroneus brevis.

Turn the foot inward: long and short peroneal muscles.

Turn the foot outward: anterior and posterior tibialis muscles, long flexor of the fingers, short flexor of the big toe.

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