In the lower leg there are 4 compartments, the anterior (A), lateral (L), deep posterior (DP) and superficial posterior (SP). The bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula), the interosseous membrane and the anterior intermuscular septum are the borders of the compartments.
What causes deep pain in lower leg?
Joint infection: Infections of the knee, ankle, or toe joints can cause pain in the lower leg which is usually aggravated by movement. Certain autoimmune diseases attack the joints of the lower legs, such as multiple sclerosis, leading to damage, inflammation, and pain.
Why are there two bones in the lower leg?
These two bones in lower legs are one of the examples I think of when I want to debunk creationism. Each of those two bones is weaker than the femur, yet neither of them can support the body weight without the other one. This means that a single bone would have been better, more resistant to breakage.
What are the anterior muscles of the lower leg?
The muscles of the compartment are:
- tibialis anterior
- extensor hallucis longus
- extensor digitorum longus
- fibularis tertius (peroneus tertius)
What is the lateral part of the leg?
The lateral compartment, also known as the evertor compartment. Muscles in this compartment primarily evert the foot. There are 2 musles in the lateral compartment of the leg. They are the fibularis longus and brevis. The picture below shows the muscle fibularis longus. Fibularis longus is responsible to evert and plantar-flex the foot.
What muscles are in the 4 compartments?
CompartmentsCompartmentMusclesAnterior compartmentTibialis anterior Extensor hallucis longus Extensor digitorum longus Peroneus tertiusLateral compartmentFibularis longus Fibularis brevisDeep posterior compartmentTibialis posterior Flexor hallucis longus Flexor digitorum longus Popliteus1 more row
What are the 4 compartments of the ankle?
For educational and practical purposes, the ankle can be divided into four compartments—medial, anterior, posterior, and lateral—each containing various anatomical structures (ligaments, tendons, retinacula, blood vessels, and nerves).
What are the 4 major muscles in the leg?
The main types are the adductors, hamstrings, pectineus, quadriceps and sartorius. Thigh muscle injuries are common, especially strains, pulls and tears in athletes. Call your healthcare provider if you have pain, numbness or weakness, or any trouble putting weight on your leg.
Where are the compartments in your leg?
The area between the knee and ankle has four major muscle compartments: anterior, lateral, superficial posterior, deep posterior.
What are the 4 bones of the lower leg and ankle?
the tibia, the larger and stronger of the two lower leg bones, which forms the inside part of the of the ankle. the fibula, the smaller bone of the lower leg, which forms the outside part of the ankle. the talus, a small bone between the tibia and fibula and the calcaneus, or heel bone.
How many compartments are there in leg?
As we said before, the leg is divided into three muscular compartments, however this can sometimes be classified as four muscle groups. The anterior and lateral compartments occupy only a small portion of the muscular volume of the leg.
What is lower part of leg called?
The lower leg is comprised of two bones, the tibia and the smaller fibula. The thigh bone, or femur, is the large upper leg bone that connects the lower leg bones (knee joint) to the pelvic bone (hip joint).
Can you name 4 muscles located in the leg?
Rectus femoris. Vastus lateralis. Vastus medialis. Vastus intermedius (see links for further elaboration)
What are the 3 main muscles in the lower leg?
Which muscles are in the lower leg? There are three main muscles: the tibialis anterior is in the front of the shin, the gastrocnemius forms the calf muscle, and the soleus which is attached to the Achilles tendon.
What does compartment syndrome in lower leg feel like?
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome often occurs in the same compartment of an affected limb on both sides of the body, usually the lower leg. Signs and symptoms can include: Aching, burning or cramping pain in a compartment of the affected limb. Tightness in the affected limb.
What is the most common site of compartment syndrome?
The anterior compartment of the leg is the most common site for ACS. It contains the three extensor muscles of the foot and toes, the anterior tibial artery, and the deep peroneal nerve.
Where is the most common place compartment syndrome occurs?
Compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure within a compartment increases, restricting the blood flow to the area and potentially damaging the muscles and nearby nerves. It usually occurs in the legs, feet, arms or hands, but can occur wherever there's an enclosed compartment inside the body.
What are the 4 lateral ankle ligaments?
The talocrural joint receives ligamentous support from a joint capsule and several ligaments, including the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and deltoid ligament. The ATFL, PTFL, and CFL support the lateral aspect of the ankle..
What are the 4 deltoid ligaments of the ankle?
Anterior tibiotalar ligament 2. Tibiocalcaneal ligament 3. Posterior tibiotalar ligament 4. Tibionavicular ligament.
What are the compartments of the foot?
The foot is divided into 4 large compartments (interosseous, medial, lateral, central) each including muscles, nerves and arteries, although it is debated whether there are actually 9 compartments, however, it is more practical to think of the foot in 4 compartments.
What are the 3 compartments of the leg?
Compartment Contentsgastrocnemius.plantaris.soleus.
What muscles are in the lower leg?
There are many muscles located in the lower leg, but there are three that are particularly well known—the gastrocnemius and the soleus, which are the most powerful muscles in the lower leg, and the anterior tibialis . The Achilles tendon is also located in the lower leg.
What muscles pull the toes and feet upward?
These muscles pull the toes and feet upward, a process known as dorsiflexion . The tibialis anterior also assists in turning the foot inward. You can feel these muscles contract by placing your hand just to the outside of the tibia and pulling your foot up.
What is the lateral compartment?
Lateral Compartment. The lateral compartment is along the outside of the lower leg. It contains the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles. These muscles pull the toes and feet outward. They also help with pointing the foot, or plantarflexion. To feel these muscles contract, place your hand on the outside of your shin and turn your foot out.
Which compartment of the calf contains the plantaris muscle?
Posterior Compartment. The posterior compartment holds the large muscles that we know as the calf muscles—the gastrocnemius and soleus. This compartment also contains plantaris muscle. The gastrocnemius is shorter, thicker and has two inner and outer attachments. It is the most visible of the calf muscles. The soleus lies underneath.
What is the function of the anterior tibial, posterior tibial, and fibular arteries?
The anterior tibial, posterior tibial, and fibular arteries are responsible for blood supply to the lower leg. The lower leg makes up a large portion of an individual's overall body weight. It is an essential structure for any weight-bearing activity, such as walking, stand, running, or jumping. Common conditions that affect ...
Where is the deep posterior compartment?
The deep posterior compartment lies deep within the back of the lower leg. It includes the tibialis posterior, the flexor digitorum longus and the flexor hallucus longus.
What are the compartments of the lower leg?
The lower leg is divided into four compartments that contain the various muscles of the lower leg—anterior, lateral, posterior and deep posterior.
What is the meaning of CECS?
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) occurs in the setting of recurrent, reversible ischemic episodes following the cessation of activity resulting in the predictable decrease in fascial compartment pressures. Although benign, the refractory nature of CECS often results in a substantial portion of patients ultimately electing to proceed with fasciotomies.
What is ACS in surgery?
Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS) of the lower leg is a time sensitive limb threatening surgical emergency.
What is ACS in medical terms?
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is caused by bleeding or oedema in a closed, non-elastic muscle compartment which is surrounded by fascia and bone. Among the most common causes of this complication are fractures, blunt trauma and reperfusion injury after acute arterial obstruction.
What causes pain in the leg compartment during strenuous exercise?
Increasing intracompartmental pressure may lead to nerve damage and reduced tissue perfusion resulting in muscle ischaemia or necrosis mediated by infiltrating neutrophils. Chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) is is a common injury in young athletes, causing pain in the involved leg compartment during strenuous exercise.
What is compartment syndrome?
Definition/Description. Compartment syndrome of the lower leg is a condition where the pressure increases within a non-extensible space within the limb. This compromises the circulation and function of the tissues within that space as it compresses neural tissue, blood vessels and muscle.
What is post surgical treatment for CECS?
Post-surgical therapy for CECS includes assisted weight bearing with some variation, depending on surgical technique. Early mobilisation is recommended as soon as possible to minimise scarring, which can lead to adhesions and a recurrence of the syndrome.
What causes a disturbance sensation in the web space between the first and second toes?
Often a disturbance sensation in the web space between the first and second toes is found as a consequence of compression or ischemia of the deep peroneal nerve. This nerve is found in the anterior compartment. Reduced sensation represents a late sign of ACS
What is the function of the anterior compartment of the lower limb?
The key function of the muscles of the anterior compartment of the lower limb is dorsiflexion of the ankle and extension of the toes. Two of the muscles of the anterior compartment of the lower limb also invert the foot (tibialis anterior, flexor hallucis longus) and one weakly everts the foot (fibularis tertius).
What are the compartments of the lower leg?
The lower leg subdivides into four compartments which are the anterior, lateral, superficial posterior and deep posterior compartments. The anterior compartment contains the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and fibularis tertius muscles, innervated by the deep peroneal nerve and supplied by the anterior tibial artery. The anterior compartment muscles function as the primary extensors of the ankle (dorsiflexion) and extensors of the toes.
What nerves are in the anterior leg?
The deep peroneal nerve provides nerve supply to the anterior compartment of the leg. It is a branch of the common peroneal nerve, which is a branch of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve branches at the apex of the popliteal fossa into the tibial and common peroneal nerves. The tibial nerve continues its course down the leg, posterior to the tibia supplying the deep muscles of the posterior leg. It terminates by dividing into the medial and lateral plantar nerves of the foot. The common peroneal nerve wraps around the neck of the fibula then divides and terminates into the superficial and deep peroneal nerv es. The superficial peroneal will supply the lateral compartment of the leg, and the sensory to the dorsum of the foot. The deep peroneal will supply the motor innervation to the anterior compartment of the leg and sensation to the first dorsal toe webspace.
Why is the anterior compartment of the leg important?
The anterior compartment of the leg is vital in the dorsiflexion of the foot, the extension of the toes, and inversion/eversion of the foot. For this reason, it is tested during the physical exam to assess the range of motion and motor strength of the ankles and toes. Weakened or absent motor strength can indicate muscle or nerve damage to the anterior compartment of the leg.
What is the surgical intervention of the anterior compartment of the leg?
Another surgical intervention involving the anterior compartment of the leg involves bypass surgery for peripheral arterial disease. The arteries of the lower limb are particularly susceptible to atherosclerotic plaque buildup and peripheral arterial disease where the arterial lumen of the lower extremities becomes progressively occluded by atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to decreased arterial blood flow. [2][8][9]Initial PAD management is with lifestyle changes and medications; however, if this fails, surgical intervention may be required. [2][8][9]Typical procedures for PAD include angioplasty, clot removal, and bypass surgery.
Where does the anterior tibial artery supply the posterior tibial artery?
The anterior compartment of the lower limb receives its blood supply from the anterior tibial artery, a branch of the popliteal artery. The blood supply of the lower limb originates at the popliteal artery before splitting into the anterior tibial artery and posterior tibial artery. The posterior tibial continues down the posterior aspect of the leg to supply the posterior compartment muscles as well as giving off the peroneal artery, while the anterior tibial artery courses anteriorly between the tibia and fibula, passing through the interosseous membrane to supply the anterior muscles of the lower limb. It courses inferiorly down the leg and into the foot where it eventually becomes the dorsalis pedis artery, which supplies the tarsal bones and the dorsal aspect of the metatarsals. The dorsalis pedis artery eventually anastomoses with the lateral plantar artery to form the deep plantar arch.
Which compartment of the lower limb is most susceptible to acute compartment syndrome?
The anterior compartment of the lower limb is susceptible to several pathologies including acute compartment syndrome resulting in foot drop, atherosclerotic plaque buildup of the arteries, and deep vein thrombosis. The anterior compartment is the most common site for acute compartment syndrome and is a medical emergency that requires fasciotomy of the involved compartment. [1]
What nerve is the extensor hallucis longus innervated by?
The extensor hallucis longus is innervated by the deep fibular nerve (L5). It receives its blood supply mainly from the anterior tibial artery, with contributions from the fibular (peroneal) artery, anterior medial malleolar artery, dorsalis pedis artery, and the plantar metatarsal artery of the first digit.
What nerve innervates the extensor digitorum longus?
The extensor digitorum longus is innervated by the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L5, S1) , and vascularized by the anterior tibial and fibular (peroneal) arteries . The functions of the extensor digitorum longus are extension of the 2nd-5th toes and dorsiflexion of the foot.
What are the legs muscles?
Key facts about the leg muscles. Definition. Muscles of the lower extremity below the knee joint that mainly produce movements of the foot at the ankle joint. Anterior (dorsiflexor) group. Tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, fibularis tertius, extensor hallucis longus. Posterior (plantar flexor) group.
What are the muscles of the leg?
Leg muscles (Musculi cruris) Anatomically, the leg is defined as the region of the lower limb below the knee . It consists of a posterior, anterior and lateral compartment. In accordance, the muscles of the leg are organized into three groups: Anterior (dorsiflexor) group, which contains the tibialis anterior , extensor digitorum longus , ...
Where does the fibularis tertius originate?
It originates from the medial aspect of the distal third of fibula, the adjacent anterior surface of interosseous membrane and the anterior intermuscular septum and runs downwards along the lateral aspect of the leg. It then extends into a tendon that passes deep to the superior extensor retinaculum, accompanied by the extensor digitorum longus . The tendon of the fibularis tertius then inserts onto the dorsal surface of the base of the fifth metatarsal .
Where is the extensor digitorum longus?
The extensor digitorum longus is a feather-like muscle originating from the proximal half of the medial surface of fibula , the anterior surface of the lateral tibial condyle and the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane. It descends inferiorly to just above the ankle, where it extends into a tendon that passes under the superior extensor retinaculum and through the inferior extensor retinaculum. Within the extensor retinaculum, the tendon splits into four smaller tendons that insert onto the dorsal surface of the middle and distal phalanges of the lateral four toes.
Which group of the body is composed of gastrocnemius, plantaris, and soleus?
Posterior ( plantar flexor) group, which consists of a superficial layer comprised of the gastrocnemius , plantaris and soleus , and a deep layer comprised of tibialis posterior , flexor hallucis longus , popliteus and flexor digitorum longus muscles.