Tibia

Question 1

Anatomical location

Answer 1

Main bone of leg, more commonly known as shin

Question 2

Proximal tibia

Answer 2

Widened by medial and lateral condyle, aiding weight bearing
Condyles form flat surface - tibial plateau (articulates with femoral condyles forming major articulation of knee)
- Intercondylar eminence - 2 tubercles and roughened area, main site of attachment for ligaments and menisci of knee joint
- Tibial tuberosity - anterior surface, inferior to the condyles, attachment of patellar ligament

Question 3

Tibial shaft

Answer 3

• Anterior border - start marked by tibial tuberosity, palpable down anterior surface of leg as the shin, periosteal covering of tibia susceptible to damage, presenting as bruising
• Posterior surface - marked by ridge of bone called soleal line, runs inferomedially eventually blending with medial border of tibia, soleus muscle origin
• Lateral border - interosseous border - gives attachment to interosseous membrane that binds tibia and fibula together

Question 4

Distal tibia

Answer 4

Widens to help with weight bearing
Medial malleolus - bony projection continuing inferiorly on medial side, articulates with tarsal bones to form part of ankle joint
Posterior surface - groove where tibialis posterior muscle attaches
Fibular notch - notch on lateral side where fibula is bound to tibia

Question 5

Tibial fracture

Answer 5

Relatively common
Frequently middle aged and elderly
If fibula not fractured -> supports tibia and displacement of fragments = minimal
Proximal tibia most vulnerable to damage resulting from some traumatic even eg. car crash
Condyles may be broken up in the fracture, not uncommon for there to be injury to ligaments of knee
Medial malleolus can be fractured, caused by overinversion (twisting inwards), the talus of the foot is forced against the medial malleolus causing a spiral fracture