Fibula

The fibula is also known as the calf bone is located on the lateral side of the tibia. It connects with the tibia above and below. On your lower leg, it is the smaller of the two bones and the most slender of all the long bones.

Its upper sections are small, placed toward the back of the head of the tibia, below the level of the knee joint. It is not included in the formation of the knee joint. In its lower sections, it inclines a little forward, so as to be on a plane anterior to that of the upper end. It projects below the tibia and in this section will form the lateral part of the ankle joint.

Functions of the Fibula

There is still debate on how important the fibula is to the body. Reconstructive surgery has made it possible to replace parts of it especially in the sections where it does not touch the ankle.

It is required to reinforce the tibia especially in lateral or sideways movements. It is also very important in the ankle area since it reinforces ankle stability.

The fibula is also the bone that is often borrowed from in modern science to build other parts that need bone stock. We can do well without the bulk of the shaft missing.

Anatomy of the Fibula

The fibula is made up of the following components:

• The body of the fibula,
• The lateral malleolus - The lower extremity of the fibula and is a pyramidal form, and somewhat flattened from side to side,
• The interosseous membrane, which connect the fibula to the tibia,
• The superior tibiofibular articulation - A joint between the tibia and the head of the fibula, and
• The inferior tibiofibular articulation - This is formed by the rough, convex surface of the medial side of the lower end of the fibula.

Conditions that affect the Fibular

The most common condition is a tubular fracture. In most people this is easily fixed with no major long term effects. However, for athletes, it can reduce their performance in the long run.

One can also have an absent or underdeveloped calf bone. This is a length defect of the calf bone and can make walking difficult.

The fibula is ossified from three centers, one for the shaft, and one for either end. Ossification begins in the body about the eighth week of fetal life, and extends toward the extremities. At birth the ends are cartilaginous.

Ossification commences in the lower end in the second year, and in the upper about the fourth year. The lower epiphysis, the first to ossify, unites with the body about the twentieth year; the upper epiphysis joins about the twenty-fifth year.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page