Fibular Articular Facet Of The Tibia, Lateral View

Description

Fibular articular facet (facies articularis fibularis) on the proximal tibia appears on the posterolateral aspect of the lateral tibial condyle in this lateral view, forming the tibial contribution to the proximal tibiofibular joint. The facet sits inferior to the lateral tibial plateau and lateral meniscal region, separated from the femorotibial articular surface by the contour of the condyle. Just anterior on the anterolateral metaphysis, Gerdy’s tubercle provides a nearby landmark for orientation. Bone surface detail is the focus. Proximal tibiofibular joint anatomy is easy to underestimate until it fails. Athletes can sustain anterior or posterolateral dislocation of the fibular head, and even small shifts at this facet can produce lateral knee pain, instability with deep flexion, or irritation of the common fibular (peroneal) nerve as it courses around the fibular neck just distal to the joint. The fixed lateral perspective clarifies where the fibular head articulates relative to the lateral tibial condyle, a relationship that also matters when teaching the posterolateral corner and when planning lateral approaches that risk violating the joint capsule. Orthopaedic teaching sets often need a single-frame reference for the proximal tibiofibular articulation when discussing knee trauma, fibular head avulsion patterns, and physical exam localization of lateral joint line versus fibular head tenderness. This illustration also fits surgical atlases covering exposure of the proximal tibia, osteotomies near the lateral condyle, or fixation strategies where the surgeon must avoid unintended communication with the proximal tibiofibular joint. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.