Fibula

• Where is the fibula located in the body?

  Within the lateral aspect of the leg
• What is the main function of the fibula?

  To act as an attachment for muscles, not as a weight-bearer
• What are the main structural parts of the fibula?

  • Expanded upper end
  • Shaft
  • Lower end
• What features are found on the head of the fibula?

  It possesses a styloid process and an articular surface for articulation with the lateral condyle of the tibia
• Where can the common fibular nerve be found?

  On the posterior and lateral surface of the fibular neck
• Describe the shaft of the fibula.

  • Long and slender
  • Typically has four borders and four surfaces
• What does the medial (interosseous) border of the fibula provide?

  Attachment to the interosseous membrane
• What does the lower end of the fibula form?

  The triangular lateral malleolus
• What is located on the medial surface of the lateral malleolus?

  A triangular articular facet for articulation with the lateral aspect of the talus
• How does the prominence of the lateral malleolus compare to the medial malleolus?

  The lateral malleolus is more prominent than the medial malleolus
• Where can the lateral malleolus be palpated?

  At the ankle on the lateral side of the leg
• What lies below and behind the articular facet of the lateral malleolus?

  A depression called the malleolar fossa
• What are the two main ways in which the lateral malleolus of the fibula can fracture?

  1. Forced external rotation of the ankle causing a spiral fracture
  2. Twisting the foot outwards (eversion) causing a transverse fracture
• What happens during forced external rotation of the ankle that leads to a fracture?

  The force of the talus against the bone causes a spiral fracture of the lateral malleolus
• How does eversion lead to a fracture of the lateral malleolus?

  The talus presses against the lateral malleolus, causing a transverse fracture