Orthonotes
Orthonotes
by the.bonestories
v3.0 Fusion
v3.0 Fusion
general topic hub

Arches of the Foot — Anatomy

Three arches: medial & lateral longitudinal, and transverse (anterior/posterior). Keystone bones: talus (medial longitudinal), cuboid (lateral), intermediate cuneiform (transverse). Static supports: plantar fascia (central band), spring ligament, long/short plantar ligaments, interosseous ligaments. Dynamic supports: tibialis posterior/anterior, peroneus longus, FHL/FDL, intrinsic plantar muscles via windlass mechanism. Functions: shock absorption, distribution of load across hindfoot–midfoot–forefoot, energy storage/return in gait. Clinical: pes planus (flexible vs rigid; PTTD), pes cavus (neuromuscular); tests—Jack’s, Hubscher, Coleman block. Radiology: Meary’s angle, calcaneal pitch, talo‑navicular coverage, talo‑first MT angle; weight‑bearing X‑rays essential. Surgical principles: correct hindfoot alignment first, then forefoot; preserve/restore spring ligament and tibialis posterior function.

Overview

Topic summary

View wiki
Three arches: medial & lateral longitudinal, and transverse (anterior/posterior). Keystone bones: talus (medial longitudinal), cuboid (lateral), intermediate cuneiform (transverse). Static supports: plantar fascia (central band), spring ligament, long/short plantar ligaments, interosseous ligaments. Dynamic supports: tibialis posterior/anterior, peroneus longus, FHL/FDL, intrinsic plantar muscles via windlass mechanism. Functions: shock absorption, distribution of load across hindfoot–midfoot–forefoot, energy storage/return in gait. Clinical: pes planus (flexible vs rigid; PTTD), pes cavus (neuromuscular); tests—Jack’s, Hubscher, Coleman block. Radiology: Meary’s angle, calcaneal pitch, talo‑navicular coverage, talo‑first MT angle; weight‑bearing X‑rays essential. Surgical principles: correct hindfoot alignment first, then forefoot; preserve/restore spring ligament and tibialis posterior function.
Cases

Clinical case discussions

Browse all cases
MCQs

High-yield practice questions

Start topic quiz
Question 1

Which bone is considered the keystone of the medial longitudinal arch?

Question 2

What is the primary static supporter of the medial longitudinal arch?

Question 3

Which arch of the foot is primarily responsible for shock absorption and energy storage during gait?

Question 4

What is the clinical significance of the windlass mechanism?

Question 5

Which test is specifically used to assess flexible flatfoot?

Question 6

In pes cavus, which of the following is a common cause?

Question 7

Meary's angle is used to assess which condition?

Question 8

Which of the following structures is a dynamic supporter of the medial longitudinal arch?

Question 9

What is the primary goal when surgically correcting flatfoot deformity?

Question 10

Which imaging technique is essential for evaluating the arches of the foot?