The fibula is the slender lateral bone of the lower leg that bears minimal weight but is essential for ankle stability. The lateral malleolus forms the outer wall of the ankle mortise that holds the talus in place. It is also the most common site of ankle fractures.
| Articulations |
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|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Primary diaphyseal centre with secondary centres at distal (age 2) and proximal (age 4) ends. |
The fibular neck is where the common peroneal nerve wraps around, the most common site of peroneal nerve palsy from external compression. The lateral malleolus determines the ankle mortise and its fracture level (Weber A/B/C) determines syndesmotic integrity and management. The fibula is harvested as a vascularised graft for jaw, tibia, and long bone reconstruction, providing up to 26 cm of bone with reliable blood supply from the peroneal artery. Essex-Lopresti injury combines radial head fracture with interosseous membrane disruption and distal radioulnar joint dislocation.
The most common ankle fracture, caused by rolling or twisting the ankle; stability depends on the medial side and syndesmosis.
A proximal fibular fracture combined with a syndesmosis and medial ankle injury, easily missed if the knee is not examined.
A stress fracture of the distal third of the fibula in runners, causing localised lateral leg pain.
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