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[Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/)

# Fibular head ligaments

The fibular head ligaments hold the top of the [fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/) against the [tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/), just below the outer side of the knee.

Official name: Anterior ligament of fibular head

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## What it is

Ligaments in front of and behind the head of the fibula.

## What it does

Hold the top of the fibula against the tibia.

## Key points

- The proximal tibiofibular joint is a plane synovial joint; in some adults its cavity communicates with the knee joint
- Proximal tibiofibular dislocation is rare; the anterolateral type is the most common, from a fall on a bent knee with the foot turned in
- The common fibular nerve winds round the fibular neck just below the joint

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Anterior and posterior ligaments of fibular head: fibular head to lateral tibial condyle

**Function**
Stabilize the proximal (superior) tibiofibular joint

## Relations

**In front**
Origins of [fibularis longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibularis-longus-muscle/) and [extensor digitorum longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-longus/)

**Behind**
[Popliteus tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-popliteus/) reinforcing the posterior ligament, and the [soleus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/soleus-muscle/) origin from the back of the fibular head

**Lateral**
LCL and [biceps femoris tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-biceps-femoris/) inserting on the fibular head

**Below**
[Common fibular nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/common-fibular-nerve/) curling round the fibular neck

## How to find it

Follow the biceps tendon down to the fibular head, a small knob at the back and outer side of the lateral tibial condyle, a little above the level of the tibial tuberosity. The joint line lies just in front of and above it, against the tibial condyle; the thick front part of the capsule is felt there.

## Examination

- Fibular head translation: with the knee bent to 90° (relaxing the LCL and biceps), the fibular head is pushed forward and backward; more movement or pain than on the other side suggests instability

## On imaging

AP and lateral knee X-rays compared with the other side show a displaced fibular head, but subtle dislocations are easy to miss; CT shows the joint alignment more reliably.

## Clinical notes

- Ganglion cysts from this joint can track along the articular branch into the common fibular nerve and cause foot drop
- Fibular nerve palsy may accompany a dislocation or a fibular neck fracture
- Can be a source of lateral knee pain mistaken for a [lateral meniscus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lateral-meniscus/) problem

## Anatomical variants

- The joint surface may be nearly horizontal or steeply oblique; the oblique type is described as more prone to instability (Ogden)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What type of joint do the fibular head ligaments stabilize?

The proximal tibiofibular joint, a plane synovial joint whose cavity communicates with the knee in some adults.

## What is the most common type of proximal tibiofibular dislocation and its mechanism?

Anterolateral, from a fall on a bent knee with the foot turned in.

## How can a ganglion from the proximal tibiofibular joint cause foot drop?

It can track along the articular branch into the common fibular nerve, which winds round the fibular neck.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
ligamentum anterius capitis fibulae TA2 1910

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Ligamentos anterior y posterior de la cabeza de la fíbula

**English (TA2)**
Anterior ligament of fibular head

**Also called**
ligamentum anterius capituli fibulae

## Related

- [Fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/)
- [Tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Fibula](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470591/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Surface Anatomy of the Lower Extremity (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Articulations between the Tibia and Fibula (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-ligament-of-fibular-head/