Marcus, a football quarterback, suffered torn menisci in his...

Name: Problem 22, Chapter 13: Human Anatomy & Physiology
Uploaded: 2020-07-06T09:15:01-08:00
Duration: 23 s
Channel: Sam Limsuwannarot
Description: Marcus, a football quarterback, suffered torn menisci in his right knee joint when tackled from the side. The same injury crushed his common fibular nerve against the head of the fibula. What locomotor problems did Marcus have after this?

Marcus, a football quarterback, suffered torn menisci in his right knee joint when tackled from the side. The same injury crushed his common fibular nerve against the head of the fibula. What locomotor problems did Marcus have after this?

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Key Concepts

Foot Drop

Foot drop is a common consequence of injury to the common fibular nerve. It is characterized by the inability to dorsiflex the ankle, meaning the affected individual cannot lift the front part of the foot. This results in a distinct, often compensatory, gait pattern where the person may swing the leg outward or slapping the foot down on the ground, increasing the risk of trips and falls.

Meniscus Injury and Knee Joint Stability

Tears in the menisci of the knee disrupt the cushioning and stabilizing functions of these cartilage structures, leading to pain, swelling, and joint instability. While a meniscus tear primarily affects knee mechanics, in the context of combined injuries it can compound locomotor issues by further limiting normal mobility and altering gait patterns.

Common Fibular Nerve Anatomy and Injury

The common fibular (peroneal) nerve wraps around the head of the fibula and is vulnerable to trauma. This nerve is responsible for innervating the muscles that control dorsiflexion and toe extension of the foot. Crushing or damaging this nerve can lead to motor deficits that manifest as an inability to lift the foot upward, causing gait abnormalities.

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