Articulations between the Tibia and Fibula

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Anatomy > Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body > III. Syndesmology > 7c. Articulations between the Tibia and Fibula

Henry Gray (1821–1865). Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918.

Articulations between the Tibia and Fibula

The tibia and fibula are connected by a series of articulations and ligaments that ensure stability while permitting limited motion, primarily to accommodate the movement of the ankle joint. These articulations can be classified into three sets:

1. The superior tibiofibular joint
2. The interosseous membrane of leg
3. The inferior tibiofibular joint (tibiofibular syndesmosis)

Superior Tibiofibular Joint (articulatio tibiofibularis)

Grays anatomy - Tibia and Fibula

This joint is an arthrodial joint (gliding type of synovial joint) formed between the lateral condyle of the tibia and the head of the fibula. Both articulating surfaces are covered with articular cartilage and enclosed by a joint capsule.

Articular Capsule

The capsule is attached around the margins of the articular facets on the tibia and fibula. It is relatively thin and looser anteriorly than posteriorly.

Anterior Ligament of the Head of the Fibula

Consists of two or three broad, flat bands extending obliquely upward from the front of the fibular head to the lateral tibial condyle.

Posterior Ligament of the Head of the Fibula

A single thick band running from the posterior fibular head to the back of the tibial condyle. It is covered by the tendon of the popliteus muscle.

Synovial Membrane

A synovial membrane lines the joint capsule. In some individuals, it may communicate with the synovial cavity of the knee joint.

Interosseous Membrane of Leg (membrana interossea cruris)

The interosseous membrane is a strong fibrous sheet connecting the interosseous borders of the tibia and fibula. It plays an important role in force transmission and separating the anterior and posterior compartments of the leg.

• Fiber direction: Mostly oblique, running downward and lateralward.
• Superior opening: Large oval aperture for the anterior tibial artery and deep fibular nerve.
• Inferior opening: Small opening for the anterior perforating branch of the peroneal artery.

Relations

• Anteriorly: In contact with tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, fibularis tertius, and the anterior tibial vessels and deep fibular nerve.
• Posteriorly: Related to tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus.

Inferior Tibiofibular Joint (Tibiofibular Syndesmosis) (syndesmosis tibiofibularis)

This fibrous joint unites the distal ends of the tibia and fibula, and forms a mortise for the trochlea of the talus at the ankle joint. The articulating surfaces are rough and irregular, but the lower 4 mm are smooth and covered with cartilage continuous with the ankle joint (talocrural joint).

Ligaments of the Syndesmosis

Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament

(Also called the anterior ligament of the lateral malleolus)

Anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments at the ankle joint.

A flat, triangular band passing from the anterior margin of the distal tibia to the anterior aspect of the fibula. It reinforces the front of the syndesmosis and lies close to the talocrural joint.

Posterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament

A smaller but strong ligament connecting the posterior surfaces of the distal tibia and fibula.

Inferior Transverse Ligament

A robust band running transversely across the posterior aspect of the joint. It projects inferiorly and contributes to the articular surface of the ankle mortise, reinforcing posterior stability.

Interosseous Ligament

A dense bundle of short fibrous bands that occupies the space between the tibia and fibula. It is the strongest of the syndesmotic ligaments and provides the primary bond between the bones. It is continuous with the lower portion of the interosseous membrane.

Synovial Membrane

Present in the small articular region at the inferior tibiofibular joint. This membrane may be continuous with that of the ankle joint due to the shared cartilage surface.

Clinical Significance

• Syndesmotic injuries (commonly called "high ankle sprains") involve disruption of one or more components of the tibiofibular syndesmosis.
• Diastasis of the joint can lead to ankle instability and requires accurate reduction, often surgically.
• Interosseous membrane ruptures may compromise compartment integrity and affect the vascular and nerve supply.

See Also

• Tibia
• Fibula
• Ankle joint
• Interosseous membrane
• Syndesmosis
• Anterior tibial artery
• Deep fibular nerve

Gray's Anatomy

• Gray's Anatomy Contents
• Gray's Anatomy Subject Index
• About Classic Gray's Anatomy
• Glossary of anatomy terms

Anatomy atlases (external)

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Adapted from the Classic Grays Anatomy of the Human Body 1918 edition (public domain)