In what position is the ankle joint most stable?

The ankle joint is most stable in dorsiflexion. In this position, the talus, which is the bone that connects the leg to the foot, fits snugly into the mortise formed by the tibia and fibula. This configuration provides a more secure locking mechanism because the wider anterior part of the talus is effectively held in place, reducing the risk of lateral or anterior movement, which can lead to sprains or instability.

Additionally, when in dorsiflexion, the surrounding ligaments are positioned under tension, contributing to stability. This increased tension in the ligaments helps to protect the joint from excessive movement in various directions.

In contrast, other positions such as plantarflexion can expose the joint to instability. In plantarflexion, the talus is less constrained in the mortise, which allows for greater mobility but decreases overall stability. This explanation highlights why dorsiflexion is the most stable position for the ankle joint.