Tibiofibular joint

Joe Muscolino

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    • The tibiofibular joints are located between the tibia and fibula of the (lower) leg.
    • There are three tibiofibular joints:
      • Proximal tibiofibular joint
        • This is a planar synovial joint located between the lateral condyle of the tibia and the head of the fibula.
      • Middle tibiofibular joint
        • This is a syndesmosis fibrous joint located between the shafts of the two bones, united by an interosseous membrane.
      • Distal tibiofibular joint
        • This is a syndesmosis fibrous joint located between the medial side of the lateral malleolus of the fibula and the fibular notch of the distal tibia.
    • The tibiofibular joints allow superior and inferior glide of the fibula.

     

    NOTES:

    1. The superior/inferior glide of the fibula is functionally important for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint.
    2. The middle tibiofibular joint is similar to the middle radioulnar joint of the forearm; each is united by a fibrous interosseous membrane.

     

    Anterior view of the tibiofibular joints on the right side of the body.

    Anterior view of the tibiofibular joints on the right side of the body.

    Posterior view of the tibiofibular joints on the right side of the body.

    Posterior view of the tibiofibular joints on the right side of the body.

     

     

     

    Lateral view of the tibiofibular joints on the right side of the body.

    Lateral view of the tibiofibular joints on the right side of the body.

     

    Medial view of the tibiofibular joints on the right side of the body.

    Medial view of the tibiofibular joints on the right side of the body.