In vitro kinematics of the axially loaded ankle complex in response to dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.

The rotational movements of the tibia and calcaneus that occur with dorsiflexion-plantarflexion and axial loading were studied in cadaver foot-leg specimens using an unconstrained testing apparatus. Independent of the foot flexion position, significant internal rotation of the tibia and eversion of the calcaneus were noted after the ankle complex was axially loaded. Independent of loading, 10 degrees of dorsiflexion resulted in 0.1 degrees of eversion and 2.1 degrees of internal rotation of the tibia. Conversely, 10 degrees of plantarflexion resulted in 1.6 degrees of inversion and 1.3 degrees of external rotation of the tibia. The induced rotational movements of the tibia and the calcaneus differed significantly between the specimens. These results suggest that the foot "axes" did not change by axially loading the ankle complex and they support previous reports that the ankle complex uses different axes for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.