Bone
Fibula
Slender lateral leg bone contributing to ankle stability
High-yield
The fibula is not the main weight-bearing bone, but its load contribution is not zero. Its distal end helps form the ankle mortise, while the common fibular nerve winds around the proximal neck.
Overview
The fibula runs beside the tibia from its proximal head to the lateral malleolus at the ankle. It provides extensive muscle and ligament attachments and shares a smaller, position-dependent portion of lower-leg loading.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Long bone on the lateral side of the leg
- Key landmarks
- Proximal head and its apex, narrow neck, shaft and distal lateral malleolus
- Articulations
- Tibia at the proximal tibiofibular joint and distal syndesmosis; talus at the ankle
Clinical correlation
Injury near the fibular neck can damage the common fibular nerve, weakening ankle dorsiflexion and toe extension. Foot drop has other possible causes, so the movement deficit alone does not prove a fracture-related nerve injury.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the fibula?
The fibula is a long bone on the lateral side of the leg bone.
What does the fibula articulate with?
Tibia at the proximal tibiofibular joint and distal syndesmosis; talus at the ankle.
What are the key landmarks of the fibula?
Key landmarks of the fibula include the proximal head and its apex, narrow neck, shaft and distal lateral malleolus.