ANKLE (aka, talocurural joint):
- A hinge-type synovial joint that allows for a wide range of movement.
- Comprises the following bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus.
4 parts of deltoid (medial) ligament:
- Tibionavicular ligament
- Tibiocalcaneal ligament
- 2 Tibiotalar ligaments, anterior and posterior, which attach to the tibia and talus.
3 parts of the lateral ligament:
- Talofibular ligaments, posterior and anterior, which attach to the talus and fibula.
- Calcaneofibular ligament, which connects the fibula and calcaneus.
- Several additional joints are intrinsic to the foot, which permit movement along multiple axes.
- An ankle sprain refers to tearing or stretching of the ligaments, which can result in swelling of the joint; because ligaments are poorly vascularized, sprains heal slowly.