Articulations between the Tibia and Fibula

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 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.

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.

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.

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