Today our blog is about the two most important parts of our body, which helps us move from one place to another, Tibia and Fibula. Let us dive deep into the anatomy of tibia and fibula, its function and importance.
What is Tibia and Fibula?
Tibia and fibula are the two bones that are in lower leg and help us in mobility and supports body weight. It also provides structural support.
Anatomy of Tibia and Fibula
Tibia
Location:
Tibia is the larger bone also known as shin bone. It is located in the lower leg; the top connects to the knee joint and lower connects to the ankle joint. It carries most of the body’s weight but still needs support of fibula. Tibia is the second largest bone of the body.
Proximal End (Near the knee):
- Medial and Lateral Condyles: Two rounded surfaces that articulate with the femur (thigh bone) to form part of the knee joint.
- Tibial plateau: It is the flat top surface of the tibia where condyles are located.
- Tibial tuberosity: A boney prominence where the patellar tendon connects, just below the knee.
Shaft (Diaphysis)
- Anterior border (Shin bone): the shin bone that is sharp, prominent and can be felt.
- Medial surface: It is the inner surface of the tibia which is smooth and is located closer to the skin.
- Lateral surface: It is the outer surface of the tibia, where the interosseous membrane attaches, connecting it to the fibula.
Distal End (Near the ankle):
- Medial Malleolus: It is the bony prominence on the inner side of an ankle.
- Tibial notch: At a distal tibiofibular joint, a concave surface where tibia meets fibula.
Fibula
Location:
It is a smaller bone than tibia and known as calf bone. The top part of fibula is located below the knee joint but is not part of the joint whereas the lower end of fibula forms the outer part of the ankle joint.
Proximal End:
- Fibular head: Articulating with the lateral condyle of the tibia at the superior tibiofibular joint. It is the uppermost part of the fibula.
- Neck of Fibula: It is a narrow area just below the head.
Shaft (Diaphysis):
- Lateral surface: It is the outer side of fibula where the lower leg muscles are attached.
- Interosseous Border: The interosseous membrane binds to the ridge that connects the fibula to the tibia.
Distal End:
- Lateral Malleolus: It is the boney prominence outside the ankle that provides stability to the ankle joint.
- Distal Tibiofibular Joint: It is the articulation between the distal ends of the tibia and fibula.
Mnemonics to remember the position of Tibia and Fibula
“Tibia Thick and Tough”
Larger and strong bone that supports more weight.
“Fibula Fine Fragile and Farther”
Fibula is the thinner bone located on the lateral side of the leg.
For ankle malleoli
“Tom’s Medial, Franks Lateral”
The Tibia forms the medial malleolus i.e., inner ankle and Fibula forms lateral melilotus i.e., outer ankle.
What are the functions of Tibia and Fibula?
- Weight bearing (mostly Tibia).
- Stability and muscle attachment (Fibula).
- Support and ankle movement.
- Shock absorption.
What is Interosseous Membrane?
Thin flexible sheet of the connective tissue that joins tibia and fibula is known as Interosseous Membrane.
Tip: Inter means “between” and “osseous” means bone so this means membrane between the two bones.
What are the common injuries to Tibia and Fibula?
Some of the examples of the common injuries to Tibia and Fibula are:
- Fractures
- Shin splints
- Ankle sprains
How long does it take for Tibia and Fibula fracture to heal?
Typically, it takes 4-6 months but sometimes longer.
How does the doctor heal broken Tibia and Fibula?
The three ways that a doctor can fic a broken Tibia and Fibula are:
- Internal fixation: A process of connecting broken bones with plates, screws rods and remains under the skin.
- External fixation: Stabilizing the fracture from outside using clamps, pin, or rods.
- Percutaneous pinning: Inserting wires across the fracture until they heal.
Conclusion
In this blog we have discussed in detail the anatomy of Tibia and Fibula, its function, importance, and tips to remember where it is located. Tibia is the second largest bone of the body and both tibia and a fibula help in mobility and body weight. Both bones work together with the help of interosseous membrane for proper leg functionality.
If you are a travel nurse, join SkillGigs and become part of out family! Where you can find the jobs according to your interests and needs! Happy travel nursing.
