What ligament is responsible for foot dorsiflexion?

From the Guidelines

No ligament is directly responsible for pedal dorsiflexion. Dorsiflexion of the foot is primarily accomplished through muscle contraction, specifically the tibialis anterior muscle, which is the main dorsiflexor of the ankle. Other muscles that assist with dorsiflexion include the extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, and peroneus tertius. These muscles are located in the anterior compartment of the leg and are innervated by the deep peroneal nerve. When these muscles contract, they pull the foot upward toward the shin. Ligaments, on the other hand, are passive structures that connect bones to other bones and provide stability to joints rather than generating movement. The anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and deltoid ligament complex provide stability to the ankle joint during dorsiflexion but do not cause the movement themselves, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1. Understanding this distinction between active muscular structures and passive ligamentous structures is important for proper assessment and treatment of foot and ankle conditions.

Key Points

• Dorsiflexion is primarily accomplished through muscle contraction, not ligament movement
• The tibialis anterior muscle is the main dorsiflexor of the ankle
• Other muscles, such as the extensor digitorum longus and peroneus tertius, assist with dorsiflexion
• Ligaments, such as the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament, provide stability to the ankle joint during dorsiflexion

Clinical Implications

The distinction between active muscular structures and passive ligamentous structures is crucial in clinical practice, as it informs the assessment and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, as discussed in 1 and 1. By understanding the role of muscles and ligaments in ankle movement, healthcare providers can develop effective treatment plans that address the underlying causes of ankle injuries and conditions.

From the Research

Ankle Ligaments and Pedal Dorsiflexion

• The ligament responsible for pedal dorsiflexion is not directly stated in the provided studies, but we can infer information from the functions of various ligaments mentioned.
• According to 2, the posterior talofibular ligament seems to restrict dorsiflexion, suggesting that it may play a role in limiting pedal dorsiflexion.
• However, 3 found that sectioning the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament (dPTTaL) resulted in a greater increase in ankle dorsiflexion than sectioning the posterior talofibular ligament (PTaFL), indicating that the dPTTaL may be more involved in restricting dorsiflexion.
• The studies do not provide a clear answer to which ligament is responsible for pedal dorsiflexion, but rather suggest that multiple ligaments, including the posterior talofibular ligament and the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament, may play a role in limiting or restricting this movement 2, 3.
• It is also important to note that the function of ankle ligaments can vary depending on the position of the ankle joint, as shown in 4, where the calcaneofibular ligament was found to provide stability of the talocrural joint primarily during plantarflexion and the stability of the subtalar joint primarily during dorsiflexion.