The slender lateral bone of the lower leg that runs alongside the tibia and forms the outer ankle bump.
Structure
The fibula has a small head near the knee, a long shaft, and a lateral malleolus at the ankle that forms the bony bump on the outside of the joint.
Function
The bone is more of a strut than a load-bearer. It anchors many calf and ankle muscles and gives the ankle joint its lateral stability through ligaments attached to the malleolus.
Clinical note
Fibular fractures often occur with ankle sprains, and segments of fibula are sometimes harvested as bone grafts for reconstructive surgery.
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