[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) › Interosseous membrane [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) # Interosseous membrane The interosseous membrane is a thin, tough sheet joining the [tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/) and [fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/) along the leg; it separates front and back muscles. Official name: Interosseous membrane of leg [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=lower_limb&select=interosseous_membrane&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is A thin, strong sheet joining the tibia and fibula. ## What it does Ties the two leg bones together and gives attachment to muscles. ## Key points - A large opening at its upper end lets the anterior tibial artery and veins pass forward into the anterior compartment; a small opening near its lower end passes the perforating branch of the [fibular artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibular-artery/) - Forms the rigid floor of the anterior compartment, one reason that compartment is the one most often involved in compartment syndrome - Continues below as the interosseous ligament of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis; in a Maisonneuve injury it tears from the ankle up to a high fibular fracture ## Key facts **Where** Between interosseous borders of tibia and fibula; gap above for anterior tibial vessels **Attaches** Interosseous borders of tibia and fibula; fibers run downward and laterally from tibia to fibula **Function** Binds tibia and fibula; origin for anterior and posterior leg muscles; separates anterior and posterior compartments ## Relations **In front** [Tibialis anterior](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibialis-anterior-muscle/), [extensor digitorum longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-longus/), [extensor hallucis longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-hallucis-longus/) and [fibularis tertius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibularis-tertius-muscle/); the [anterior tibial artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-tibial-artery/) and the [deep fibular nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deep-fibular-nerve/) run down on it **Behind** [Tibialis posterior](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibialis-posterior-muscle/), which arises from much of it, and [flexor hallucis longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-hallucis-longus/) lower down **Above** Free upper edge just below the proximal tibiofibular joint, with the opening for the anterior tibial vessels **Below** Interosseous ligament of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis ## How to find it Not palpable. In dissection it is reached by lifting the anterior compartment muscles off it from the front or tibialis posterior from behind; on axial images it is the thin line joining the tibia and fibula. ## Examination - Squeeze test: pressing the fibula toward the tibia at mid-calf causes pain at the front of the ankle when the distal syndesmosis and the lower membrane are injured (high ankle sprain) - External rotation (Kleiger) test: with the knee bent at 90°, turning the foot outward causes anterolateral ankle pain in a syndesmosis injury ## On imaging Axial MRI shows it as a thin low-signal band between the interosseous borders; ultrasound can also follow it. Its tearing is inferred from widening of the tibiofibular clear space at the ankle and from a proximal fibular fracture on radiographs of the whole leg. ## Clinical notes - Maisonneuve injury: syndesmosis and membrane torn up to a proximal fibular fracture, which is why the whole fibula is examined in ankle injuries with a widened mortise - The anterior tibial artery is tethered where it passes through the upper opening, so it can be injured in proximal tibial fractures, osteotomies and knee dislocations - In compartment syndrome fasciotomy the [crural fascia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/crural-fascia/) is opened; the membrane stays intact and limits the anterior and deep posterior compartments ## Related conditions - [Acute compartment syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acute-compartment-syndrome/) - [Tibial shaft fracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/tibial-shaft-fracture/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What passes through the large opening at the upper end of the interosseous membrane of the leg? The anterior tibial artery and veins, into the anterior compartment. ## What is a Maisonneuve injury? A tear of the ankle syndesmosis and the interosseous membrane up to a proximal fibular fracture, so the whole fibula is examined in ankle injuries with a widened mortise. ## Why is the anterior tibial artery at risk in proximal tibial fractures and knee dislocations? It is tethered where it passes through the upper opening of the interosseous membrane. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/interosseous-membrane-of-leg/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** membrana interossea cruris TA2 1867 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Membrana interósea de la pierna **English (TA2)** Interosseous membrane of leg **Also called** middle tibiofibular joint ## Related - [Syndesmosis ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-tibiofibular-ligament/) - [Fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/) - [Tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Leg Bones](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537024/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/interosseous-membrane-of-leg/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/interosseous-membrane-of-leg/