Synovial joints of free lower limb

The synovial joints of the free lower limb are the major articulations that allow movement and are characterized by a synovial cavity, articular cartilage, and a joint capsule. These include:

• Hip joint (acetabulofemoral joint): a ball-and-socket synovial joint between the acetabulum of the pelvis and the head of the femur.

• Knee joint (tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints): a complex synovial hinge joint involving the femur, tibia, and patella.

• Ankle joint (talocrural joint): a synovial hinge joint between the distal tibia, fibula, and talus. Notably, recent anatomical studies confirm that the distal tibiofibular articulation is also a synovial joint and an integral part of the ankle joint, rather than a pure syndesmosis.

• Joints of foot:

  • Intertarsal joints

  • Tarsometatarsal joints

  • Intermetatarsal joints

  • Metatarsophalangeal joints

  • Interphalangeal joints of foot