STRUCTURE AND POSITION 

• Fibula is a long bone with two broad ends and a thin shaft. It has 3 borders on its shaft. Hence, its cross section is triangular in shape.
• It is located lateral to the Tibia in leg and runs along it all the way. It is also joined to it at both ends.
• Fibula is only palpable near its ends. Its covered with muscles throughout its length.
• Lower aspect of the bone is thicker and forms the Body of the Fibula. The Body forms the Lateral Malleolus of the foot on lateral side.
• Interosseous Membrane is present between shafts of Tibia and Fibula.

BLOOD SUPPLY

Fibula is supplied on it epiphysis, head and proximal portion by Anterior Tibial Artery. Middle one third is supplied by Nutrient Artery which is a branch of Fibular Artery.

ARTICULATIONS

Fibula articulates with two bones ; Tibia and Talus.

• It is joined to the Tibia in three parts. Superior articulation with Tibia is between Lateral Condyle of Tibia and Head of the Fibula. It is called Superior Tibiofibular joint. Shaft is joined to Tibia through an Interosseous membrane forming Syndesmoses joint. Inferior part is convex and articulates with the inferior concave part of the Tibia.
• Talus also articulates with Fibula at its inferior end. Fibula has a cartilage covered inferior articular surface for Talus.

FUNCTION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE 

• Fibula is a special bone as it doesn’t take part in supporting the body weight. However it gives attachments to many important muscles of the Lower limb.
• Fibula is clinically very important as its middle third is used in Reconstructive Surgery. It is used in cancer and trauma patients whose Mandible and adjacent bones have been lost to reconstruct shape and structure of the face. It is known as Oromandibular Reconstructive Surgery.