The superior tibiofibular joint is a synovial plane joint stabilized by anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments. Excessive inversion ankle injuries may strain this joint because the fibular head moves in which direction when the foot inverts?

• A Posterosuperiorly
• B No movement occurs (fibula is fixed)
• C Posteroinferiorly
• D Anteroinferiorly ✓

Explanation

During ankle inversion the distal fibula is pulled anteroinferiorly by the lateral collateral ligament attachments. This traction is transmitted proximally via the interosseous membrane, causing the fibular head to move anteroinferiorly relative to the tibia at the superior tibiofibular joint, potentially straining its anterior ligament. Clinically, subluxation of the superior tibiofibular joint can mimic lateral knee pain and is missed without specific examination of the fibular head.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.