The tibial plateau is divided into four sections: the anterior and posterior sections of the medial compartment and the anterior and posterior sections of the lateral compartment. The medial meniscus is attached to the medial surface and the lateral meniscus is attached to the lateral surface.
The ACL is attached to the anterior side of the tibia on a ridge line that separates the medial and lateral surfaces. From the tibia it passes in the posterior/superior (rearward/upward) direction to attach between the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The ACL limits anterior translation (forward movement) of the tibia relative to the femur and is required for proper knee functioning. The PCL is attached posteriorly on the same ridgeline and runs anterior and superior to attach on the femur between the condyles. The PCL limits posterior translation of the tibia and is also required for proper knee functioning.
Tibial plateau fractures can be caused by high-energy trauma or falls. Fractures in the tibial plateau are often treated by ORIF surgery.
The distal ends of the tibia and fibula are connected by tibiofibular ligaments near the ankle that minimize relative movement. Together, they form a bracket-shaped socket covered in articular cartilage. The talus is a bone in the foot that slides into this socket and rotates within the slot. The design is like a mortis and tenon joint, although it allows for rotation. Multiple ligaments support the ankle joint, essentially tying the bone together.
The ankle is a hinge joint limiting movement outside the sagittal plane (the plane that divides the body into left and right sides).
