Dorsiflexio

Dorsiflexio, or dorsiflexion, is the movement that decreases the angle between the dorsum (top) of the foot and the leg, bringing the toes upward toward the shin. In the context of the ankle, dorsiflexion primarily involves the talocrural joint, with minor contributions from adjacent foot joints.

Anatomy and mechanism: The primary muscles that dorsiflex the foot are the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus. The peroneus tertius also contributes slightly. These muscles are innervated mainly by the deep fibular (deep peroneal) nerve. Dorsiflexion is opposed by plantarflexion, produced mainly by the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus).

Range of motion and assessment: Dorsiflexion is typically assessed with the knee in different positions because the gastrocnemius crosses the knee and can limit motion when the knee is extended. When the knee is extended, dorsiflexion is more limited; with the knee flexed, greater dorsiflexion is possible. Clinically, dorsiflexion ROM is measured with a goniometer and described in degrees, noting differences between positions and any restrictions.

Clinical significance: Adequate dorsiflexion is important for a normal gait, climbing stairs, and squatting. Reduced dorsiflexion can result from tight calf muscles, Achilles tendon shortening, or joint stiffness and may lead to compensatory movement patterns such as toe-walking or altered knee mechanics. Interventions include stretching, soft-tissue and joint mobilization, and targeted rehabilitation aimed at restoring ankle ROM.

See also: plantarflexion; ankle joint ROM; gait biomechanics. The term dorsiflexio appears in some languages as the cognate of dorsiflexion.