Gross Anatomy · Joints
The foot joints are critical for weight-bearing, locomotion, and maintaining balance. They include the intertarsal, tarsometatarsal, metatarsophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints, each contributing to the foot's complex biomechanics.
The subtalar (talocalcaneal) joint allows inversion and eversion movements. The transverse tarsal joint (talonavicular and calcaneocuboid) aids in adapting to uneven surfaces. The tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joints provide stability, while the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints enable toe flexion and extension.
Key ligaments include the plantar calcaneonavicular (spring ligament), which supports the medial longitudinal arch, and the Lisfranc ligament, stabilizing the tarsometatarsal joints. The deltoid ligament complex reinforces the medial ankle and subtalar joint.
Common pathologies include osteoarthritis, Lisfranc injuries, and plantar fasciitis. Understanding joint anatomy is essential for diagnosing and managing conditions like flatfoot deformity or Charcot arthropathy.
The foot's joints work synergistically to support weight and facilitate movement. Mastery of their anatomy is crucial for clinical assessment and treatment of foot disorders.