What Fibular to Know

The fibula:

* Is one of the two bones of the lower leg, the other being the tibia.

* Articulates with the tibia at the knee and ankle.

* Provides attachment for muscles that move the foot and ankle.

* Helps to support the weight of the body.

* Commonly fractured in sports injuries, particularly those involving the ankle.

Here are some additional facts about the fibula:

* The fibula is the thinner and weaker of the two lower leg bones.

* It is located on the lateral (outer) side of the tibia.

* The fibula is about as long as the tibia, but slightly bowed outward.

* It has a head, a shaft, and a lateral malleolus.

* The head of the fibula articulates with the lateral condyle of the tibia.

* The shaft of the fibula is triangular in cross-section.

* The lateral malleolus is a bump on the lateral side of the ankle that forms part of the ankle joint.

* The fibula is ossified from three centers: one for the head, one for the shaft, and one for the lateral malleolus.

* The fibula reaches maturity around 25 years of age.

* The fibula is supplied by the peroneal artery and the anterior tibial artery.

The fibula is a complex bone that plays an important role in the structure and function of the lower leg. It helps to support the weight of the body, provides attachment for muscles that move the foot and ankle, and articulates with the tibia at the knee and ankle.