Lecture on the Fibula

Jun 26, 2024

Lecture on the Fibula

Introduction

  • The focus is on the fibula, a slender long bone in the leg alongside the tibia.
  • Discuss its anatomy, functions, joints, and muscle attachments.
  • Fibula means 'brooch pin' in Latin; 'perone' is the Greek word meaning the same.
  • Fibula should not be confused with peroneal and perianal.

Anatomy of the Fibula

  • Bony parts:
    • Head: Palpable, has a neck, and an apex (pointy bit).
    • Shaft: Triangular and twisted.
    • Lateral malleolus: The sticky-outy part forming the hinge joint for the ankle.
  • Key landmarks:
    • Common fibular nerve runs around the head of the fibula.
    • The fibula is palpable at the lateral malleolus.

Functions of the Fibula

  • Not a weight-bearing bone; the tibia bears the weight.
  • Used for bone reconstruction elsewhere in the body.
  • Forms the shape of the ankle joint along with the tibia and talus.
  • Provides attachment sites for muscles.

Joints Involving the Fibula

  • Proximal tibiofibular joint: Synovial joint allowing slight movement, bound by tough ligaments.
  • Distal tibiofibular joint: Syndesmosis (fibrous joint) limiting movement between tibia and fibula.
  • Interosseous membrane: Connects tibia and fibula, serving as another joint limiting movement.
  • Ankle joint: Talus articulates with tibia and fibula forming a synovial joint supported by multiple ligaments.

Muscle Attachments to the Fibula

  • Lateral muscles:
    • Fibularis longus
    • Fibularis brevis
    • Fibularis tertius
  • Anterior compartment muscles:
    • Extensor hallucis longus
    • Extensor digitorum longus
  • Posterior compartment muscles:
    • Soleus
    • Tibialis posterior
    • Flexor hallucis longus
    • Flexor digitorum longus
  • Other muscles:
    • Biceps femoris (lateral hamstring) attaches to the head of the fibula.
  • The fibula and the interosseous membrane are attachment sites for these muscles, crucial for controlling the ankle and foot.

Summary

  • Covered the key points about fibula: location, function, anatomy, joints involved, and muscle attachments.
  • Emphasis on the non-weight-bearing nature of the fibula and its role in muscle attachment and forming the ankle joint.

Next Lecture: Not specified.