The tibiotalar joint Surface Anatomy

Location

The tibiotalar joint, commonly referred to as the ankle joint, is the articulation point of the tibia superiorly with the talus inferiorly. It is located between the lateral and medial malleolus.

Significance

Chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness in the tibiotalar joint suggests ankle arthritis and is usually seen in patients with a history of trauma. The patient may have trouble with dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at the ankle joint and may compensate for this by an externally rotated foot during walking.

Subluxation of the tibiotalar joint may occur during severe trauma and may compromise the integrity of local vessels and nerves along with the ruptured ligaments.