Articular capsule of superior tibiofibular joint
Capsula articularis articulationis tibiofibularis
The capsule of the small plane joint between the head of the fibula and the lateral condyle of the tibia, just below the knee.
At a glance
- English
- Articular capsule of superior tibiofibular joint
- Latin (TA2)
- Capsula articularis articulationis tibiofibularis
- System
- Joint
- Region
- Lower limb
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the articular capsule of superior tibiofibular joint
The superior, or proximal, tibiofibular joint is a plane synovial joint between a flat facet on the head of the fibula and a similar facet on the posterolateral underside of the lateral condyle of the tibia. It lies below and outside the knee joint and is a separate joint, though the two are close neighbours.
Its capsule surrounds the joint and is attached to the margins of both facets. It is thicker in front than behind. In front it is reinforced by the anterior ligament of the fibular head, a few flat bands running upwards and medially from the front of the fibular head to the lateral condyle. Behind, the posterior ligament of the fibular head takes a similar oblique course and is covered by the tendon of popliteus. In some people the joint cavity connects with the knee joint through the recess under the popliteus tendon.
The joint permits small gliding movements of the fibula, which take up stresses when the ankle bends upwards and the fibula is pushed outwards and upwards. Injury is uncommon, but the joint can dislocate in twisting falls with the knee bent, and it may be a hidden cause of pain on the outer side of the knee. The common fibular nerve winds around the neck of the fibula just below the joint, so it is at risk in injuries and operations in this region.
Attachments and function
- Formed by
- Margins of the fibular articular facet on the posterolateral underside of the lateral condyle of the tibia.
- Joins
- Margins of the articular facet on the head of the fibula.
- Movements
- Encloses and stabilises the joint, allowing small gliding movements of the fibula as the ankle moves.
- Nerve supply
- Branches of the common fibular nerve and the nerve to popliteus.
- Blood supply
- Anterior and posterior tibial recurrent arteries and the inferior lateral genicular artery.
Anthromica
See the articular capsule of superior tibiofibular joint where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
