Tibialis Anterior Muscle

Authors
Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Schematic of Muscles in the Anterior Compartment of the Leg 1: Tibialis Anterior 2: Extensor Hallucis Longus 3: Extensor Digitorum Longus 4: Fibularis Tertius

Schematic of Muscles in the Anterior Compartment of the Leg
1: Tibialis Anterior
2: Extensor Hallucis Longus
3: Extensor Digitorum Longus
4: Fibularis Tertius

Muscles in the Anterior Compartment of the Leg

Muscles in the Anterior Compartment of the Leg

Origin

  • Tibia (upper 2/3 of the lateral surface)1
  • Interosseous membrane1
  • Superficial crural fascia (highest part)1

Insertion

  • Medial cuneiform (medial and plantar surface)1
  • 1st metatarsal (medial base)1

Nerve

Deep Fibular N. (L4, L5)1

Action

  • Talocrural joint: Dorsiflexion
  • Subtalar joint: inversion (supination)

Observation

“The tendon of the tibialis anterior is visible at the level of the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone, especially if the foot is positioned in dorsiflexion and supination”2

Examination

MMT

  • DF/inv
  • “The tibialis anterior muscle produces the motion of dorsiflexion and inversion. The knee must remain flexed during the test to allow complete dorsiflexion. The patient’s foot is positioned in dorsiflexion and inversion. The leg is stabilized, and resistance is applied to the medial posterior aspect of the forefoot into plantar flexion and eversion”2

ROM

  • PF + EV

References

1.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
2.
Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.

Citation

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