nilkanivel

Nilkanivel, or the ankle joint, is the hinge-like articulation between the distal tibia and fibula and the talus, enabling the foot’s primary movements. The main component is the tibiotalar joint, formed by the tibial plafond and the talus, which functions together with the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis to create a mortise. The subtalar joint, between the talus and calcaneus, lies adjacent and allows inversion and eversion, contributing to overall foot adaptability.

Anatomy and structure: The ankle region involves the distal ends of the tibia and fibula and the talus. The distal tibiofibular joint is a fibrous syndesmosis that stabilizes the mortise. The joint capsule surrounds the articulation and is reinforced by ligaments: the medial deltoid ligament complex and the lateral ligaments, including the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments. An interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula provides additional stability. Innervation is primarily via branches of the tibial nerve, and arterial supply comes from the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.

Movement and function: The ankle’s primary motion is dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Inversion and eversion are limited at the tibiotalar joint and are mainly facilitated by the subtalar and midfoot joints, with stability supported by the collateral ligaments and the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Clinical relevance: Ankle injuries are common, particularly lateral ankle sprains involving the anterior talofibular ligament and, less frequently, syndesmotic injuries. Distal tibia or fibula fractures can accompany ankle trauma. Chronic instability or osteoarthritis may follow recurrent injuries, and management ranges from immobilization and rehabilitation to surgical intervention when indicated.