Bone
Tibia
Main load-bearing bone on the medial side of the leg
High-yield
The tibia bears the larger share of lower-leg load, with a smaller contribution from the fibula. Much of its anteromedial shaft lies just beneath the skin, leaving less soft-tissue covering than many other long bones.
Overview
The tibia carries most of the load from the knee toward the ankle. Its broad upper end articulates with the femur, while the lower end forms the ankle's medial malleolus and part of the surface above the talus.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Long bone forming the medial leg skeleton
- Key landmarks
- Medial and lateral condyles, intercondylar eminence, tibial tuberosity, posterior soleal line, anterior border and medial malleolus
- Articulations
- Femur proximally, talus distally and fibula at the proximal joint and distal syndesmosis
Clinical correlation
A tibial shaft fracture can involve an open wound or dangerous pressure buildup in a leg compartment. Compartment syndrome threatens muscle and nerve blood flow and is an urgent complication, including when the skin remains closed.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the tibia?
The tibia is a long bone forming the medial leg skeleton bone.
What does the tibia articulate with?
The tibia articulates with the femur proximally, talus distally and fibula at the proximal joint and distal syndesmosis.
What are the key landmarks of the tibia?
Medial and lateral condyles, intercondylar eminence, tibial tuberosity, posterior soleal line, anterior border and medial malleolus.