The close-packed position of the ankle (tibiotalar) joint, at which the trochlea of the talus is widest and the ligaments are maximally taut, is:

• A Full plantarflexion
• B Full dorsiflexion ✓
• C 10 degrees of plantarflexion with inversion
• D Neutral position with slight eversion

Explanation

In dorsiflexion the wider anterior part of the talar trochlea wedges into the mortise, making the joint congruent and ligaments taut; this is why the ankle is stable in standing and why forced dorsiflexion produces malleolar fractures. In plantarflexion the narrow posterior trochlea sits in the mortise, permitting wobble, which is exactly when inversion sprains occur, killing option A.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.