Beginner Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Quiz

Q1. Which bones are joined by the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

• Talus and calcaneus
• Tibia and fibula
• Tibia and talus
• Fibula and calcaneus

Q2. What type of joint is the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

• Ball-and-socket joint
• Synovial hinge joint
• Primary cartilaginous joint
• Fibrous joint

Q3. Which ligament lies on the anterior aspect of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

• Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament
• Deltoid ligament
• Calcaneofibular ligament
• Anterior talofibular ligament

Q4. Which ligament reinforces the posterior aspect of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

• Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament
• Long plantar ligament
• Plantar calcaneonavicular ligament
• Anterior talofibular ligament

Q5. What is the main mechanical role of the tibiofibular syndesmosis at the ankle?

• Extend the knee
• Flex the great toe
• Maintain stability of the ankle mortise
• Support the femoral head

Q6. Which bone sits within the ankle mortise stabilized by the syndesmosis?

• Calcaneus
• Navicular
• Cuboid
• Talus

Q7. Which structure connects the tibia and fibula along much of their shafts and contributes distally to syndesmotic stability?

• Interosseous membrane
• Patellar ligament
• Flexor retinaculum
• Plantar aponeurosis

Q8. How much movement normally occurs at the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

• Slight movement
• Free gliding through several centimeters
• No movement under any condition
• A large range of rotation like the shoulder

Q9. What commonly happens to the distal fibula during ankle dorsiflexion?

• It fuses temporarily to the tibia
• It shifts several centimeters medially
• It moves slightly laterally and adjusts rotationally
• It moves into the tarsal tunnel

Q10. What is a common term for an injury involving the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

• Tennis elbow
• Jumper's knee
• High ankle sprain
• Turf toe