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. 2016 Jun;30(3):232-238.
doi: 10.1016/j.mporth.2016.04.015.

Biomechanics of the ankle

Claire L Brockett  1 , Graham J Chapman  1
Affiliations

Biomechanics of the ankle

Claire L Brockett et al. Orthop Trauma. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

This paper provides an introduction to the biomechanics of the ankle, introducing the bony anatomy involved in motion of the foot and ankle. The complexity of the ankle anatomy has a significant influence on the biomechanical performance of the joint, and this paper discusses the motions of the ankle joint complex, and the joints at which it is proposed they occur. It provides insight into the ligaments that are critical to the stability and function of the ankle joint. It describes the movements involved in a normal gait cycle, and also highlights how these may change as a result of surgical intervention such as total joint replacement or fusion.

Keywords: ankle biomechanics; subtalar joint; talocrural joint; tibiotalar joint.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Medial ligaments of the tibiotalar joint.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Lateral ligaments of the ankle.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagram illustrating relative motions of the ankle joint complex. Figure adapted from Visual 3D (C-Motion, Rockville, Maryland).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Diagram illustrating the sagittal and frontal plane axis of rotation for the ankle joint complex. Dashed line represents the axis of rotation for the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The intersecting point between the bold and dashed line represents the point of rotation for inversion and eversion. Figure adapted from Visual 3D (C-Motion, Rockville, Maryland).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Diagram illustrating the ankle joint complex axis of rotation in the transverse plane. The intersecting point represents the point of rotation for internal and external foot progression (toe in or toe out gait). Figure adapted from Visual 3D (C-Motion, Rockville, Maryland).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Diagram illustrating typical outputs from gait analysis of five walking trials. a) representing ankle complex rotation in sagittal, frontal and transverse planes (left to right, respectively); b) sagittal plane ankle moments and c) sagittal plane ankle power. The shaded area on all graphs represents ±1 standard deviation. Figure adapted from Visual 3D (C-Motion, Rockville, Maryland).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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