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Superior tibiofibular joint

The superior tibiofibular joint (also called the proximal tibiofibular joint) is a plane-type synovial joint between the lateral condyle of the tibia and the head of the fibula. It plays an important role in accommodating movements of the ankle and knee by allowing slight gliding motions and transmitting forces between the leg bones.

It is a key anatomical structure in knee and leg biomechanics, orthopedic evaluation, and imaging of lateral knee pain.

Synonyms

  • Proximal tibiofibular joint

  • Upper tibiofibular joint

Location

  • Situated at the lateral aspect of the proximal leg

  • Between the lateral tibial condyle and the fibular head

  • Inferolateral to the lateral tibial plateau

  • Superior and lateral to the knee joint

  • Anterior to the fibular neck

Anatomical components

  • Articular surfaces:

    • Oval or circular facet on the lateral tibial condyle

    • Corresponding facet on the fibular head

  • Joint capsule:

    • Thin fibrous capsule enclosing the joint

  • Synovial lining:

    • Allows smooth gliding movement

  • Supporting ligaments:

    • Anterior superior tibiofibular ligament

    • Posterior superior tibiofibular ligament

  • Occasional communication:

    • With the knee joint cavity (in a minority of individuals)

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Common peroneal (fibular) nerve (in close proximity)

  • Tibialis anterior muscle

Posteriorly:

  • Popliteus muscle

  • Posterior superior tibiofibular ligament

Medially:

  • Lateral tibial condyle

Laterally:

  • Head of fibula

Inferiorly:

  • Fibular neck

Superiorly:

  • Lateral tibial plateau

X-ray appearance

Plain radiographs (AP and lateral knee views):

  • Joint line: Thin lucent space between tibia and fibula

  • Alignment: Fibular head aligned with lateral tibial condyle

  • Best seen on: Oblique or dedicated proximal tibiofibular views

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Articular facets: Well-defined cortical margins

  • Joint space: Clearly visualized plane-type articulation

  • Bone contour: Accurate assessment of alignment and morphology

  • Relationship to adjacent structures: Precisely demonstrated

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal

  • Marrow of tibia and fibula: High signal

  • Joint space: Intermediate signal

  • Ligaments: Low-signal linear structures

T2-weighted images:

  • Joint fluid: High signal outlining the articular surfaces

  • Articular cartilage: Intermediate signal

  • Ligaments: Low-signal bands

STIR:

  • Fat suppression: Uniform marrow fat suppression

  • Joint margins: Clearly delineated

  • Surrounding soft tissues: Well visualized

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Joint fluid: Bright signal

  • Cartilage and ligaments: Well differentiated

  • Capsule and synovium: Clearly outlined

CT VRT 3D image

Superior tibiofibular joint 3d

MRI image

Superior tibiofibular joint mri anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000

CT image

Superior tibiofibular joint ct coronal

CT image

Superior tibiofibular joint ct