What are the three tibiofibular joints?

The tibiofibular joints consist of three connections between the tibia and fibula: the superior tibiofibular joint (near the knee), the middle tibiofibular joint (along the shafts), and the inferior tibiofibular joint (near the ankle).

What type of joint is the superior tibiofibular joint?

The superior tibiofibular joint is a plane-type synovial joint between the head of the fibula and lateral condyle of the tibia, allowing slight gliding and rotation to accommodate ankle movements.

What is the function of the middle tibiofibular joint?

The middle tibiofibular joint is a fibrous joint formed by the interosseous membrane. Its functions include providing surface for muscle attachment, binding the tibia and fibula firmly, and resisting downward pull from fibularis muscles.

Why is the inferior tibiofibular joint important for ankle stability?

The inferior tibiofibular joint is a syndesmosis type of fibrous joint critical for ankle stability. It is stabilized by ligaments like the interosseous, anterior, and posterior tibiofibular ligaments, which help maintain the ankle mortise during movements like dorsiflexion.

How do the movements differ among the tibiofibular joints?

Movements vary by joint: the superior joint allows gliding and rotation, the middle joint has no movement (fixed), and the inferior joint permits slight rotation during dorsiflexion.

What structures stabilize the inferior tibiofibular joint?

Key stabilizing structures include the interosseous ligament (primary stabilizer), anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments (additional support), and inferior transverse ligament (strengthens the posterior ankle mortise).

How does the superior tibiofibular joint relate to the knee joint?

The superior tibiofibular joint may communicate with the knee joint via the popliteal bursa, which can allow fluid or infection to pass between them.

Tibiofibular Joints – Superior, Middle & Inferior

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