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


[[Anatomy]] > [[Gray's 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''' ==


[[Henry Gray]] (1821–1865).  Anatomy of the Human Body.  1918.
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:
=='''Articulations between the Tibia and Fibula'''==
The articulations between the tibia and fibula are effected by ligaments which connect the extremities and bodies of the bones. The ligaments may consequently be subdivided into three sets: 
(1) those of the Tibiofibular articulation 
(2) the interosseous membrane 
(3) those of the Tibiofibular syndesmosis. 
==='''Tibiofibular Articulation (''articulatio tibiofibularis; superior tibiofibular articulation'')'''===
This articulation is an [[arthrodial]] joint between the lateral condyle of the tibia and the head of the fibula. The [[contiguous]] surfaces of the bones present flat, oval [[facets]] covered with cartilage and connected together by an articular capsule and by anterior and posterior ligaments. 
===='''The Articular Capsule (''capsula articularis; capsular ligament'')'''====
The articular capsule surrounds the articulation, being attached around the margins of the articular [[facets]] on the [[tibia]] and [[fibula]]; it is much thicker in front than behind.
===='''The Anterior Ligament (''anterior superior ligament'')'''====
The [[anterior]] ligament of the head of the fibula (Fig. 347) consists of two or three broad and flat bands, which pass obliquely upward from the front of the head of the fibula to the front of the lateral condyle of the tibia. 
===='''The Posterior Ligament (''posterior superior ligament'')'''====
The [[posterior]] ligament of the head of the fibula (Fig. 348) is a single thick and broad band, which passes obliquely upward from the back of the head of the fibula to the back of the lateral [[condyle]] of the [[tibia]]. It is covered by the tendon of the Popliteus. 
===='''Synovial Membrane'''====
A synovial membrane lines the capsule; it is continuous with that of the knee-joint in occasional cases when the two joints communicate. 
==='''Interosseous Membrane (''membrana interossea cruris; middle tibiofibular ligament'')'''===
An interosseous membrane extends between the interosseous crests of the tibia and fibula, and separates the muscles on the front from those on the back of the leg. It consists of a thin, aponeurotic lamina composed of oblique fibers, which for the most part run downward and lateralward; some few fibers, however, pass in the opposite direction. It is broader above than below. 


Its upper margin does not quite reach the tibiofibular joint, but presents a free concave border, above which is a large, oval aperture for the passage of the anterior tibial vessels to the front of the leg. In its lower part is an opening for the passage of the anterior peroneal vessels. 
# The [[superior tibiofibular joint]]
# The [[interosseous membrane of leg]]
# The [[inferior tibiofibular joint]] (tibiofibular syndesmosis)


It is continuous below with the interosseous ligament of the tibiofibular syndesmosis, and presents numerous perforations for the passage of small vessels. It is in relation, in ''front'' with the Tibialis anterior, Extensor digitorum longus, Extensor hallucis proprius, Peronæus tertius, and the anterior tibial vessels and deep peroneal nerve; ''behind'' with the Tibialis posterior and Flexor hallucis longus.
===''Superior Tibiofibular Joint''''' (''articulatio tibiofibularis'') ===
==='''Tibiofibular Syndesmosis (''syndesmosis tibiofibularis; inferior tibiofibular articulation'')'''===
This [[syndesmosis]] is formed by the rough, convex surface of the medial side of the lower end of the [[fibula]], and a rough [[concave]] surface on the lateral side of the [[tibia]]. Below, to the extent of about 4 mm. these surfaces are smooth, and covered with cartilage, which is continuous with that of the ankle-joint. The ligaments are: anterior, posterior, inferior transverse, and [[interosseous.]] 
===='''The Anterior Ligament (''ligamentum malleoli lateralis anterius; anterior inferior ligament'')'''====
The [[anterior]] ligament of the lateral malleolus (Fig. 355) is a flat, triangular band of fibers, broader below than above, which extends obliquely downward and lateralward between the adjacent margins of the tibia and fibula, on the front aspect of the syndesmosis. It is in relation, in ''[[front]]'' with the Peronæus tertius, the aponeurosis of the leg, and the integument; ''[[behind]]'' with the interosseous ligament; and lies in contact with the cartilage covering the talus. 
===='''The Posterior Ligament (''ligamentum malleoli lateralis posterius; posterior inferior ligament'')'''====
The [[posterior]] ligament of the lateral malleolus (Fig. 355), smaller than the preceding, is disposed in a similar manner on the posterior surface of the syndesmosis. 
===='''The Inferior Transverse Ligament'''====
The [[inferior]] transverse ligament lies in front of the posterior ligament, and is a strong, thick band, of yellowish fibers which passes transversely across the back of the joint, from the lateral [[malleolus]] to the posterior border of the articular surface of the tibia, almost as far as its malleolar process. This ligament projects below the margin of the bones, and forms part of the articulating surface for the [[talus.]] 
===='''The Interosseous Ligament'''====
The interosseous ligament consists of numerous short, strong, fibrous bands, which pass between the contiguous rough surfaces of the tibia and fibula, and constitute the chief bond of union between the bones. It is continuous, above, with the interosseous membrane (Fig. 356). 
===='''Synovial Membrane'''====
The synovial membrane associated with the small arthrodial part of this joint is continuous with that of the ankle-joint. 


{{grays}}
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'')
 
[[File:Gray355.png|thumb|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]]
 
{{Bones of lower extremity}}
{{Subject bar|Anatomy|display=Tibia|wikt=tibia|auto=1}}
{{grays adapted}}
[[Category:Tibia]]
[[Category:Fibula]]
[[Category:Bones of the lower limb]]
[[Category:Leg anatomy]]
[[Category:Synovial joints]]
[[Category:Ligaments]]

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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)

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.

Relations

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


Bones of the human leg
Femur
Tibia
Fibula
Other
Foot


Gray's Anatomy

Anatomy atlases (external)

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Human systems and organs
Musculoskeletal system
Circulatory system
Cardiovascular system
* peripheral -- Artery -- Vein -- Lymphatic vessel - Heart
Lymphatic system
* primary -- Bone marrow -- Thymus - secondary -- Spleen -- Lymph node - CNS equivalent -- Glymphatic system
Nervous system
Integumentary system

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

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