Fibula

Os fibulae

The fibula is a thin bone lateral to the tibia, connected by the interosseous membrane. The fibular head articulates with the lateral tibial condyle. The lateral malleolus at the distal end extends further inferiorly than the medial malleolus, contributing to ankle stability.

Type Bone
Système corporel Skeletal
Région corporelle Leg
Nom latin Os fibulae
FMA ID 24479

Fonction

The slender lateral bone of the leg. While it bears minimal weight, it provides attachment for muscles and ligaments and forms part of the ankle joint. The lateral malleolus stabilizes the ankle laterally.

Signification clinique

Lateral malleolus fractures are the most common ankle fractures. Weber classification categorizes ankle fractures based on fibular fracture level relative to the syndesmosis. The fibula is commonly used as a bone graft donor site.

Questions fréquentes

What is the primary role of the fibula in the lower leg?
The fibula is the slender lateral bone of the leg that runs alongside the larger tibia. Although it bears very little of the body's weight—approximately 10-15%—it plays important roles in providing attachment points for numerous muscles of the leg and foot, contributing to the lateral stability of the ankle joint through the lateral malleolus, and forming part of the ankle (talocrural) joint.
What is the lateral malleolus and why is it clinically important?
The lateral malleolus is the bony prominence at the lower end of the fibula that forms the outer bump of the ankle. It acts as a lateral stabilizer of the ankle joint, preventing excessive inversion. Fractures of the lateral malleolus are the most common ankle fractures, typically occurring with inversion injuries, and are classified using the Weber system based on the fracture level relative to the ankle joint syndesmosis.
What is the Weber classification of ankle fractures?
The Weber (Danis-Weber) classification categorizes fibular fractures by their relationship to the syndesmosis—the fibrous joint connecting the fibula to the tibia above the ankle. Weber A fractures are below the syndesmosis and typically stable. Weber B fractures occur at the level of the syndesmosis and may be stable or unstable. Weber C fractures are above the syndesmosis and are generally unstable, often requiring surgical fixation.
Why is the fibula a commonly used bone graft donor site?
The fibula is an excellent bone graft donor because it can be harvested with its blood supply (vascularized fibular graft) from the peroneal artery and veins. A substantial length can be removed without significantly compromising lower limb function, since the tibia bears the majority of weight. It is used to reconstruct the jaw, radius, femur, and other bones after tumor resection or trauma.
What muscles attach to the fibula?
Numerous muscles of the leg originate from or insert on the fibula. These include the peroneus (fibularis) longus and brevis on the lateral aspect, the extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus on the anterior aspect, and the flexor hallucis longus, tibialis posterior, and peroneus tertius on the posterior and anterior aspects. The fibula head also provides attachment for the biceps femoris tendon.

Structures associées

articulation joint nutrient foramen conduit outer fibrous layer of periosteum capsular layer of periosteum periosteum pre-cartilage condensation pre-chondrogenic condensation postcranial axial skeleton axial skeleton radial element actinost cavity of bone organ bone organ cavity

Avertissement médical

Ce contenu est uniquement à des fins éducatives et informatives. Il n'est pas destiné à remplacer un avis médical professionnel, un diagnostic ou un traitement. Consultez toujours votre médecin ou un autre professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute question relative à un état médical. Ne négligez jamais un avis médical professionnel et ne tardez pas à le consulter en raison de quelque chose que vous avez lu sur ce site web.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.