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Fibular articular facet of tibia

The fibular articular facet of the tibia is a small, oval to circular articular surface located on the lateral aspect of the proximal tibia, forming the tibial component of the proximal tibiofibular joint. It articulates with the head of the fibula and contributes to the stability and mobility of the lateral knee region.

This structure is important in orthopedic anatomy, biomechanics of the leg, and imaging evaluation of the proximal tibiofibular joint.

Synonyms

  • Tibial facet for fibula

  • Fibular facet of the tibia

Location

  • Situated on the posterolateral aspect of the proximal tibia

  • Inferior and lateral to the lateral tibial condyle

  • Forms the tibial surface of the proximal tibiofibular joint

  • Oriented obliquely, facing laterally, posteriorly, and inferiorly

  • Adjacent to the lateral tibial plateau

Anatomical components

  • Articular surface:

    • Covered by hyaline cartilage

    • Oval or circular in shape

  • Joint interface:

    • Articulates with the articular facet of the fibular head

  • Joint capsule:

    • Surrounds the proximal tibiofibular joint

  • Supporting ligaments:

    • Anterior and posterior proximal tibiofibular ligaments

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Proximal tibiofibular joint capsule

  • Lateral meniscus (indirect relation)

Posteriorly:

  • Popliteus muscle and tendon

Laterally:

  • Head of the fibula

Medially:

  • Lateral tibial condyle

Inferiorly:

  • Neck of the fibula

Superiorly:

  • Lateral tibial plateau

X-ray appearance

Plain radiographs (AP and lateral knee views):

  • Fibular articular facet: Seen indirectly as the joint space of the proximal tibiofibular joint

  • Tibial and fibular margins: Smooth, corticated outlines

  • Joint alignment: Normal congruency between tibia and fibula

CT appearance  

Non-contrast CT:

  • Articular facet: Well-defined cortical surface on the lateral proximal tibia

  • Orientation: Oblique plane matching the fibular head

  • Joint space: Clearly visualized proximal tibiofibular articulation

  • Cortical margins: Smooth and sharply outlined

  • Trabecular pattern: Normal cancellous bone beneath the facet

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal intensity

  • Subchondral marrow: High signal

  • Articular cartilage: Thin intermediate-signal layer

  • Joint space: Low-signal cleft between tibia and fibula

T2-weighted images:

  • Cartilage: Intermediate to high signal

  • Joint fluid (if present): High signal outlining the facet

  • Subchondral bone: Low to intermediate signal

STIR:

  • Bone marrow: Uniform fat-suppressed signal

  • Articular margins: Clearly defined

  • Joint space: Bright if fluid is present

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Articular cartilage: Well delineated

  • Joint fluid: High signal

  • Subchondral bone: Low signal against suppressed marrow

MRI image

Fibular articular facet of tibia mri anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000

CT image

Fibular articular facet of tibia ct anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000

CT VRT 3D image

Fibular articular facet of tibia 3d