What bones constitute the talocrural joint?

The talocrural joint, commonly referred to as the ankle joint, is primarily formed by the articulation between three bones: the talus, tibia, and fibula. The talus sits atop the calcaneus and is crucial for connecting the upper leg to the foot. The tibia, also known as the shinbone, creates the medial malleolus (the inner ankle bone) while the fibula forms the lateral malleolus (the outer ankle bone). Together, these bones create a hinge joint that allows for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, which are essential movements in activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Understanding the anatomy of the talocrural joint is fundamental in orthopedic and rehabilitative contexts, particularly when addressing injury management and the design of orthoses.