The proximal tibiofibular joint is formed by an articulation between the head of the fibula and the lateral condyle of the tibia. It is a plane type synovial joint, meaning that the bones glide over one another in order to create movement. The articular surfaces of the proximal tibiofibular joint are lined with hyaline cartilage and contained within a joint capsule which is also reinforced by the Anterior and Posterior Superior Tibiofibular Ligaments, the Lateral Collateral Ligament of the Knee Joint, and the Biceps Femoris, which inserts onto the fibular head.
In comparison, the distal, or inferior tibiofibular joint consists of an articulation between the fibular notch of the distal tibia and the fibula, and is an example of a fibrous joint, meaning that the joint surfaces are bound by tough, fibrous tissue. The distal tibiofibular joint is supported by the Interosseous Membrane, a fibrous structure spanning the length of the tibia and fibula, the Anterior and Posterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligaments, and the Inferior Transverse Tibiofibular Ligament, a continuation of the Posterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament. Unlike the proximal tibiofibular joint, the distal tibiofibular joint does not have a joint capsule, as only synovial joints have a joint capsule.
The proximal tibiofibular joint receives its arterial supply via the inferior genicular arteries and the anterior tibial recurrent arteries, and is innervated by branches of the common fibular nerve and the nerve to the popliteus, a branch of the tibial nerve. Correspondingly, the distal tibiofibular joint achieves its arterial supply via branches of the fibular artery and the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and its nerve supply is derived from the deep peroneal and tibial nerves.
Dislocations of the proximal tibiofibular joint are rare and often times go unnoticed, accounting for <1% of all knee injuries. The usual mechanism of injury is a fall onto an adducted and flexed knee, however, these may also occur as a result of high-energy trauma. Common clinical features associated with a proximal tibiofibular joint dislocation include an inability to bear weight, lateral knee pain, and tenderness or prominence of the fibular head. Treatment for this type of injury typically consists of a closed reduction, which is a procedure aimed at restoring the joint to its natural alignment. Complications of proximal tibiofibular joint dislocation may include common fibular nerve injury, and recurrent dislocation.
A dislocation of the proximal and distal tibiofibular joint can result from high-energy trauma and should be treated promptly. The proximal and distal tibiofibular joint is a unique joint that is made up of several structures, including the joint capsule, hyaline cartilage, and multiple ligaments that provide stability. In addition, this joint is supplied by a neurovascular bundle, providing sensory and motor innervation to the surrounding area.Common clinical features of a tibiofibular joint dislocation include inability to weight-bear, lateral knee pain, and tenderness or prominence of the fibular head. A closed reduction procedure is typically used to restore the joint to its natural alignment. Unfortunately, if the dislocation is not promptly addressed, complications can arise, such as injury to the common fibular nerve or recurrent dislocation.
The common fibular nerve winds around the neck of the fibula and can be damaged if the dislocation is neglected. It is therefore of utmost importance for a patient with a tibiofibular joint dislocation to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment for a successful outcome.
A closed reduction of the joint is typically recommended as the primary treatment for a tibiofibular joint dislocation. This procedure is designed to restore the joint to its natural alignment and reduce the risk of long-term complications. In cases of recurrent dislocation, surgical intervention may be recommended in order to stabilize the joint and reduce the chance of further injury.
The proximal and distal tibiofibular joint plays an important role in providing stability to the leg and must be carefully monitored for signs of dislocation or other injury. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of a tibiofibular joint dislocation is necessary to prevent long-term complications and ensure a successful outcome.
