Tibialis posterior muscle

Posterior tibial tendonitis

Posterior tibial tendonitis is a condition that predominantly affects runners and active individuals. It involves inflammation or tearing of the posterior tibial tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot. It plays a vital role in supporting the arch and assisting in foot movement. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and potentially lead to flatfoot if left untreated.

Structure

The tibialis posterior muscle originates on the inner posterior border of the fibula laterally. It is also attached to the interosseous membrane medially, which attaches to the tibia and fibula.

The tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle (sometimes called the posterior tibial tendon) descends posterior to the medial malleolus. It terminates by dividing into plantar, main, and recurrent components. The main portion inserts into the tuberosity of the navicular bone. The smaller portion inserts into the plantar surface of the medial cuneiform. The plantar portion inserts into the bases of the second, third and fourth metatarsals, the intermediate and lateral cuneiforms and the cuboid. The recurrent portion inserts into the sustentaculum tali of the calcaneus.

Blood is supplied to the muscle by the posterior tibial artery.

Nerve supply

The tibialis posterior muscle is supplied by the tibial nerve.

Function

The tibialis posterior muscle is a key muscle for stabilization of the lower leg. It also contracts to produce inversion of the foot, and assists in the plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle. The tibialis posterior has a major role in supporting the medial arch of the foot. Dysfunction of the tibialis posterior, including rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon, can lead to flat feet in adults, as well as a valgus deformity due to unopposed eversion when inversion is lost.

Clinical significance

Main article: Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Injury to the distal tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle is rare. It may be caused during exercise. It usually presents with pain on the medial side of the ankle. Injuries including dislocations and tears often require surgery.

Additional images

File:Gray357.png|Coronal section through right talocrural and talocalcaneal joints. File:Tibialis posterior.png|Muscles of the back of the leg. Deep layer. File:Gray551.png|The popliteal, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries. File:Slide1ACA.JPG|Muscles of the back of the leg. Deep layer. File:Slide2ACA.JPG|Muscles of the back of the leg. Deep layer. File:Slide2ACCA.JPG|Muscles of the leg. Posterior view. File:Slide1ADA.JPG|Muscles of the sole of the foot. File:Slide3Bubu.JPG|Dorsum of foot. Ankle joint. Deep dissection File:Slide2bubu.JPG|Dorsum of foot. Ankle joint. Deep dissection. File:Slide2wewe.JPG|Ankle joint. Deep dissection. Medial view

References

References

1. (2023-09-12). "Unveiling the Mystery: What is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis? - Auto-Ness Physical Therapy- Physical Therapy Scripps Ranch".
2. Ma, Yun-tao. (2011-01-01). "CHAPTER 14 - General Principles of Treating Soft Tissue Dysfunction in Sports Injuries". Churchill Livingstone.
3. Hunt, Kenneth J.. (2020-01-01). "10 - Posterior Tibialis Tendon Injury in the Athlete". Elsevier.
4. Durrant, B., Chockalingam, N. and Hashmi, F., 2011. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: a review. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 101(2), pp.176-186.https://doi.org/10.7547/1010176
5. Bowring, B. and Chockalingam, N., 2010. Conservative treatment of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction—A review. The Foot, 20(1), pp.18-26.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foot.2009.11.001
6. (1 May 2010). "Posterior tibial tendon dislocation: a systematic review of the literature and presentation of a case". British Journal of Sports Medicine.