Tibiofibular
Joints Anatomy
The tibia and fibula articulate at
proximal and distal tibiofibular joints and are also connected by an
interosseous membrane (Fig. 6.83), which unites the interosseous borders of the
bones and separates the flexor and extensor compartments of the leg.
The proximal tibiofibular joint is
a plane synovial articulation between the lateral condyle of the tibia and head
of the fibula, and is supplied by the common fibular nerve. The capsule is
reinforced by anterior and posterior ligaments, and the synovial cavity does
not communicate with the knee joint.
The opposed triangular surfaces at
the lower ends of the tibia and fibula are bound together by an interosseous
ligament, forming the fibrous distal tibiofibular joint, which is strengthened
by anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments. The transverse ligament, an
inferior extension of the posterior ligament, contributes to the articular
socket of the ankle joint (Fig. 6.85), whose cavity frequently extends for a
short distance between the tibia and fibula. The ankle is stabilized by the
ligaments of the distal tibiofibular joint, which prevent separation of the
malleoli. Innervation is by the deep fibular and tibial nerves.
Very little movement occurs at the
tibiofibular joints, but slight rotation of the fibula may accompany flexion
and extension of the ankle.
