Fibular

Fibular refers to anything related to the fibula, the slender bone of the lower leg located on the lateral side alongside the tibia. In humans, the fibula runs parallel to the tibia and is connected to it by the interosseous membrane. It is the smaller of the two leg bones and bears relatively little weight, but it provides muscle attachment sites and contributes to ankle stability.

Anatomically, the fibula has a proximal head that articulates with the lateral aspect of the tibia at the proximal tibiofibular joint, a shaft, and a distal end that forms the lateral malleolus, which helps stabilize the ankle joint by shaping the ankle mortise. The interosseous membrane along its length binds the fibula to the tibia. Several muscles attach to the fibula, notably the fibularis (peroneus) longus and brevis. The common peroneal nerve courses around the neck of the fibula, making this region particularly susceptible to injury; damage can result in foot drop and sensory changes on the dorsum of the foot.

Clinical relevance includes fibular fractures, which can occur at the distal end, shaft, or proximal end and may accompany knee or ankle injuries. Distal fibular fractures can affect ankle stability, especially when the surrounding ligaments and syndesmosis are involved. Treatment varies with location and severity. The term fibular is also used in reference to structures such as the fibularis muscles, the fibular collateral ligament, and vasculature associated with the leg, reflecting its role as a key anatomical reference in the lower limb.