Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
09:01
Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
Contribution of articular surface geometry to ankle stabilization
Yuki Tochigi1, M James Rudert, Charles L Saltzman
1Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 2181 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242-1100, USA. yuki-tochigi@uiowa.edu
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|December 5, 2006
Summary
Ankle stability relies on articular geometry, with specific stress patterns maintaining joint integrity under load. These findings highlight the crucial role of the ankle
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Passive ankle stability is significantly influenced by articular surface geometry under weight-bearing conditions.
- The study hypothesizes that ankle contact-stress changes under axial loading follow specific patterns to maintain stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate reproducible contact-stress patterns in the tibiotalar articulation under various loads.
- To quantify the contribution of articular geometry to passive ankle stability.
Main Methods:
- Six cadaver ankles were subjected to axial force and secondary loads (shear, torque).
- Contact stress in the tibiotalar joint was monitored using a real-time sensor.
- A computer model analyzed stress changes and their role in ankle stabilization.
Main Results:
- Anterior/posterior shear forces and inversion/eversion torques induced reproducible stress changes in specific articular regions.
- Internal/external rotation torques resulted in stress changes at diagonal locations.
- Articular geometry accounted for approximately 70% of anterior/posterior stability, 50% of version stability, and 30% of internal/external rotation stability.
Conclusions:
- Contact stress alterations demonstrate the significant role of articular geometry in passive ankle stabilization.
- Calculated contributions of the articular surface align with existing literature.
- Findings support the mechanism of ankle stabilization through articular contact stress redistribution.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
01:23Knee Joint
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
00:58Introduction to Joints
The adult human body usually has 206 bones, and except for the hyoid bone in the neck, each bone is connected to at least one other bone. Joints are the location where bones come together. Many joints allow for movement between the bones. At these joints, the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones can move smoothly against each other. However, the bones of other joints may be joined by connective tissue or cartilage. These joints are designed for stability and provide little or no movement.
01:16Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...