Where the fibula sits in the skeleton
The fibula is the slender outer bone of the lower leg. It bears little body weight; muscles attach to it, and its lower end forms the outer ankle bone that steadies the ankle. Its head meets the underside of the lateral condyle of the tibia, so it takes no part in the knee joint. The common fibular (peroneal) nerve winds around its neck, and its lower end, the lateral malleolus, reaches further down than the medial malleolus.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the fibula in?
The fibula is one of the bones of the pelvis and leg. The hip bones and sacrum form the pelvis, and the femur, patella, tibia and fibula form the leg.
Which bones make up the pelvis and leg?
The pelvis is formed by the two hip bones, the sacrum and the coccyx. Each leg has the femur, patella, tibia and fibula.
Is there one fibula or a pair?
The fibula is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.
Which ankle bone sits lower, the inner or the outer?
The outer one, the lateral malleolus of the fibula, reaches lower than the medial malleolus of the tibia.
Other bones of the pelvis and leg
Joints of the fibula
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.