title: Biomechanics of the normal and arthritic ankle joint.
abstract: Understanding biomechanics of the normal and arthritic ankle joint can aid in analysis of an underlying clinical problem and provide a strategic basis for a more optimal management. The challenge to the clinician and the biomechanist is that the mechanical complexity of the ankle joint still clouds current understanding. This article provides an overview of current understanding of functional ankle anatomy, how this function can be altered in the degenerated ankle, and how surgical intervention further affects foot and ankle biomechanics. The focus is on how altered loading of neighboring joints in the midfoot and hindfoot may induce postoperative joint remodeling and can manifest in secondary clinical problems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital Balgrist, Zurich, Switzerland. snedeker@ethz.ch
authors.forename: Jess G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Snedeker
authors.forename: Stephan H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Wirth
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Espinosa
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology*