Tarsal articulations
The tarsal bones form several important joints with each other, ensuring the mobility of the hindfoot and midfoot:
- Subtalar joint (articulatio subtalaris) — located directly between the talus and calcaneus.
- Talocalcaneonavicular joint (art. talocalcaneonavicularis) — spheroidal in shape.
- Transverse tarsal joint (art. transversa tarsi), also known in surgical anatomy as Chopart's joint. This complex includes the talocalcaneonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints.
- Cuneonavicular and cuboidonavicular joints — classified as plane joints with a minimal range of motion.
Joints of the metatarsus and digits
The distal foot includes articulations of the metatarsal bones and phalanges, which play a key role in push-off and walking:
- Tarsometatarsal joints (art. tarsometatarsales), or Lisfranc's joint. These are plane-shaped articulations.
- Intermetatarsal joints (art. intermetatarsales) — located strictly between the bases of the metatarsal bones.
- Metatarsophalangeal joints (art. metatarsophalangeae) — ellipsoidal joints. The following movements are possible in them: flexion and extension, as well as abduction and adduction of the toes.
- Interphalangeal joints of the foot (art. interphalangeae pedis) — typical hinge joints. Their biomechanics are limited to flexion and extension.
Ligamentous apparatus and arches of the foot
The stability of the bone framework is supported by powerful ligaments and fasciae. The main structures include:
- Plantar aponeurosis (aponeurosis plantaris).
- Long plantar ligament (lig. plantare longum).
- Plantar ligaments: calcaneocuboid (lig. calcaneocuboideum plantare), cuneometatarsal (ligg. cuneometatarsea plantaria), and calcaneonavicular (lig. calcaneonaviculare plantare). The latter plays a crucial role in maintaining the arch of the foot.
Architecture of the arches
The foot has a pronounced vaulted structure, which includes the longitudinal arch (divided into medial and lateral parts) and the transverse arch (formed at the level of the metatarsal heads).
The main functions of the arches are shock absorption during walking, spring function, and even load distribution. This architecture is reliably supported by three components: ligaments, fasciae, and muscles.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which ligament is the "key" of the transverse tarsal joint (Chopart's joint)?
The "key" of the transverse tarsal joint (Chopart's joint) is the bifurcated ligament (lig. bifurcatum). It originates from the upper margin of the calcaneus and divides into two parts: one goes to the posterolateral margin of the navicular bone, and the other to the dorsal surface of the cuboid bone. This is a short and strong ligament whose transection allows the articular surfaces to be widely separated for foot disarticulation.
Between which specific bones are the tarsometatarsal joints (Lisfranc's joint) formed?
The tarsometatarsal joints (Lisfranc's joint) are formed between the bones of the second row of the tarsus and the metatarsal bones. Three cuneiform bones — medial, intermediate, and lateral — and the cuboid bone participate in their formation.
What ligament is called the "key" of Lisfranc's joint?
The "key" of Lisfranc's joint is the medial interosseous cuneometatarsal ligament (lig. cuneometatarsalia interossea mediale). Topographically, it runs from the medial cuneiform bone to the base of the 2nd metatarsal bone. Only after the dissection of this ligament does the joint open widely, which is a necessary condition for surgical disarticulation of the foot.
Which specific muscles act as active ties (support) for the arches of the foot?
The active ties supporting the arches of the foot are the following muscles:
- Tibialis posterior — provides overall stabilization of the foot arch (supports and lowers the navicular bone).
- Adductor hallucis (m. adductor hallucis) — supports the transverse arch of the foot.
- Flexor digitorum longus (m. flexor digitorum longus) — supports the medial arch of the foot.
To memorize the two main surgical complexes, use the authors: Chopart — transverse tarsal joint, Lisfranc — tarsometatarsal joints.
Class and exam questions
Which joints form Chopart's joint?
Chopart's joint (transverse tarsal joint) includes the talocalcaneonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints.
Where are the intermetatarsal joints located?
The intermetatarsal joints are located between the bases of the metatarsal bones.
What movements are possible in the metatarsophalangeal joints?
Since these are ellipsoidal joints, flexion/extension as well as abduction/adduction take place in them.
What supports the arches of the foot?
The arches of the foot are supported by ligaments (particularly the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament), fasciae, and muscles.
What else to study on this topic
- Biomechanics of the talocalcaneonavicular joint
- Anatomy of the plantar aponeurosis
- Functions of the long plantar ligament
- Medial and lateral longitudinal arches
- Formation of the transverse arch of the foot
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