[Functional anatomy and biomechanics of the ankle joint]

Functional anatomy is fundamental for understanding motion in the ankle joint. Biomechanical studies try to evaluate the forces and torque affecting biological tissue under various conditions and therefore the cause and effects of disorders of joint structures. Conclusions based on this research permit preventive arrangements to reduce force and risk of injury to the joints. Biomechanical models describe the function of joint movements. A knowledge of biomechanical models may affect therapy management of patients with joint disorders. For the radiologist the results of this basic research are of major importance. Knowledge of pathological joint movements allows more accurate diagnosis of complex disorders or injuries of the ankle joint and structural alterations in bony or soft tissue structures, as demonstrated by MRI. In this article, we summarize the results of functional anatomy and biomechanics of the ankle joint reported in the literature.