Fibula | Definition, Anatomy, Function, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Fibula | Definition, Anatomy, Function, & Facts? ›

Unlike the tibia, the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone. Its main function is to combine with the tibia and provide stability to the ankle joint. The distal end of the fibula has several grooves for ligament attachments which then stabilize and provide leverage during the ankle movements.

It is the thinnest of all the long bones compared to its length. The word fibula is Latin for "the brooch" and many believe it is named that way because when paired with the tibia anatomically, it forms the safety pin look of an ancient brooch.

The fibula is the thinner and posteriolaterally situated of the two lower leg bones. These two bones are connected by the tibiofibular syndesmosis, which includes the interosseous membrane. Proximal: The proximal part of the fibula features an enlarged pointed head and a small neck.

The fibula is a long bone in the lower extremity that is positioned on the lateral side of the tibia. The fibula is much smaller and thinner than the tibia. It is located just behind the tibial head at the knee joint and then runs down the lateral aspect of the leg until it reaches the ankle joint.

It comprises two bones: the tibia and the fibula. The role of these two bones is to provide stability and support to the rest of the body, and through articulations with the femur and foot/ankle and the muscles attached to these bones, provide mobility and the ability to ambulate in an upright position.

The primary function of the fibula is to provide stability to the ankle joint. While it does share the lower leg with the larger. It contributes to maintaining the structural integrity of the ankle joint, enabling various movements and helping to distribute forces during weight-bearing activities.

fibula, brooch, or pin, originally used in Greek and Roman dress for fastening garments. The fibula developed in a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety-pin principle.

The fibular bone runs on the outside of the leg from the knee joint to the ankle joint. It is a small thin bone, much of which can be removed without affecting your ability to walk or bear weight.

Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula's role in ankle stability.

The tibia is a larger bone on the inside, and the fibula is a smaller bone on the outside. The tibia is much thicker than the fibula. It is the main weight-bearing bone of the two. The fibula supports the tibia and helps stabilize the ankle and lower leg muscles.

Is a fibula injury bad? ›

Most fractures of the fibula do not have any serious complications. Within a few weeks to several months, most patients make a full recovery and can continue their normal activities.

The most common type of fibula fracture is an injury to the end of the fibula bone near the ankle joint. These injuries can look and feel like a badly sprained ankle. If both the fibula and inner ankle are injured, the medial malleolus or deltoid ligament may be involved.

A broken tibia-fibula is a fracture in the lower leg that happens when a fall or blow places more pressure on the bones than they can withstand. A tibia-fibula fracture is a serious injury that requires prompt immediate medical attention. With timely and proper treatment, a broken tibia-fibula can heal completely.

It has three main articulations: Proximal tibiofibular joint – articulates with the lateral condyle of the tibia. Distal tibiofibular joint – articulates with the fibular notch of the tibia. Ankle joint – articulates with the talus bone of the foot.

Healing: This injury normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal. Pain and Swelling: The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating your leg will help.

While the fibula moves very little relative to the tibia, the joints that it forms contribute significantly to the function of the lower leg. The proximal and distal tibiofibular joints permit the fibula to adjust its position relative to the tibia, increasing the range of motion of the ankle.

The fibular bone runs on the outside of the leg from the knee joint to the ankle joint. It is a small thin bone, much of which can be removed without affecting your ability to walk or bear weight.

The tibia (shin bone) is a long bone of the leg, found medial to the fibula. It is also the weight bearing bone of the leg, which is why it is the second largest bone in the body after the femur. Fun fact here is that 'tibia' is the Latin word for tubular musical instruments like the flute.

fibula, outer of two bones of the lower leg or hind limb, presumably so named (fibula is Latin for “brooch”) because the inner bone, the tibia, and the fibula together resemble an ancient brooch, or pin.

The fibula bears approximately one-sixth of the body's load. The tibia bears the majority.