Which joints are involved in movements of inversion and eversion?

Which joints are involved in movements of inversion and eversion?

• A. Talocalcaneal and talonavicular
• B. Ankle and subtalar
• C. Intertarsal joints
• D. Subtalar and transverse tarsal (midtarsal)

Answer: (D)

Inversion and eversion are movements that involve the hindfoot and midfoot joints, not the ankle alone. The subtalar joint (talus with calcaneus) is the primary driver, allowing the foot to roll inward or outward. But because the forefoot moves in coordination with the hindfoot through the transverse tarsal joint (the functional complex of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints), inversion and eversion also involve this midfoot articulation. Together, the subtalar and transverse tarsal (midtarsal) joints coordinate these motions. The ankle joint mainly handles dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, so it isn’t the primary contributor to inversion/eversion.

Inversion and eversion are movements that involve the hindfoot and midfoot joints, not the ankle alone. The subtalar joint (talus with calcaneus) is the primary driver, allowing the foot to roll inward or outward. But because the forefoot moves in coordination with the hindfoot through the transverse tarsal joint (the functional complex of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints), inversion and eversion also involve this midfoot articulation. Together, the subtalar and transverse tarsal (midtarsal) joints coordinate these motions. The ankle joint mainly handles dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, so it isn’t the primary contributor to inversion/eversion.