Tibia
The tibia is the larger, medial bone of the leg, commonly called the shinbone. It is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg, articulating with the femur above and the talus below.
Key Features
Articulations
- •Knee joint (condyles with femoral condyles) - hinge
- •Superior tibiofibular joint (with fibula head)
- •Inferior tibiofibular joint (with distal fibula) - syndesmosis
- •Ankle joint (with talus) - hinge
Muscle Attachments
Clinical Relevance
The tibia is commonly fractured, often with fibula (bimalleolar fracture). The subcutaneous anterior border makes it vulnerable to direct trauma. Stress fractures occur in runners. Compartment syndrome can follow tibial fractures.
Tibia FAQs
Common questions about this bone
The anterior border and medial surface of the tibia lie directly under the skin without muscle covering, forming the 'shin.' This makes it easily palpable and vulnerable to painful direct impacts.
The pes anserinus ('goose foot') is where the tendons of sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus insert together on the upper medial tibia. A bursa beneath can become inflamed (pes anserinus bursitis).
Ankle fractures often involve the medial malleolus (tibia), lateral malleolus (fibula), or both (bimalleolar). A trimalleolar fracture also includes the posterior tibia. These can disrupt ankle joint stability.
Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds up within a muscle compartment, compromising blood flow. It can follow tibial fractures and requires emergency fasciotomy to prevent muscle death.