Fibula

The fibula plays a critical role in providing lateral stability to the ankle joint. It acts as a support structure for muscles of the lower leg, specifically those involved in movement and stabilization during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. While it does not bear the weight of the body directly, the fibula helps absorb some of the forces exerted on the leg during physical activity, thus playing a supportive role in the overall function of the limb. Additionally, the fibula serves as an important site for muscle attachment, which contributes to the movement of the foot and maintains balance.

The fibula is located parallel to the tibia on the outer side of the lower leg. It begins just below the knee joint at the lateral condyle of the tibia and extends downwards to the lateral malleolus at the ankle. The fibula is positioned more laterally and is smaller in diameter compared to the tibia. It is important to note that the upper part of the fibula, known as the head, does not articulate with the knee joint but instead forms the proximal tibiofibular joint, allowing for slight movement between the two bones. Its distal end forms a bony prominence on the outside of the ankle, the lateral malleolus, which can be easily palpated under the skin.

• The fibula is sometimes referred to as the 'calf bone', although it is not a weight-bearing bone.
• In some cases, the fibula can be used for bone grafting procedures due to its accessibility and minimal role in weight-bearing.
• The lateral malleolus, the bony prominence at the ankle, is an important landmark in clinical assessments and is crucial in ankle stability.