The anterior and posterior proximal tibiofibular ligaments stabilise the small plane synovial joint between the proximal fibular head and the lateral tibial condyle. This joint transmits forces from the lateral knee structures (LCL, biceps femoris, IT band) through the fibular shaft to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and lateral ankle mortise, making it a critical link in the lateral lower limb load-transfer chain.
| Origin | Lateral tibial condyle (anterior and posterior surfaces) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Head of the fibula |
| Actions | Stabilise the proximal tibiofibular joint; transmit tension from the lateral knee structures through the fibula to the ankle |
|---|
Proximal tibiofibular joint instability from ligament disruption produces lateral knee pain and a palpable fibular head prominence, reproduced by direct fibular head pressure and manual displacement. It occurs in isolation from direct trauma or as part of posterolateral corner injuries. Most cases are managed conservatively but chronic instability may require ligament reconstruction or arthrodesis.
Fibular head ligament disruption producing lateral knee pain and fibular subluxation managed with activity modification or surgical stabilisation for persistent instability.
