The tibia of a person is part of the musculoskeletal system, performing a number of different tasks. So, it is possible to distinguish such functions of the tibia as supporting, motor.
It belongs to the group of long tubular bones, so its structure has the characteristics inherent in the group.
Where is the tibia located? The answer to this question can be found in the section of biology and anatomy, where its location and structure are described in detail. So, it belongs to the bones of the lower leg.
In leg anatomy , the bone occupies a medial position and connects to the femur using the knee joint. An ankle joint is also formed on the reverse side.
External structure
The tibia has a second, Latin, name - tibia.
In the external structure, 3 parts or departments are distinguished: two ends (epiphyses) - proximal and distal, as well as a body connecting 2 epiphyses.
At the proximal end, two small processes are formed - the medial and lateral condyles. For the formation of a connection with the femur in the human leg there are articular sites. Between them there is an intercondylar elevation, on which there are medial and lateral tubercles.
At the ends of the elevation, two pits or fields are located in front and behind. They serve to attach the ligaments of the tibia and knee joint. A capsule is present on the articular surfaces.
On the front surface of the bone is tuberosity (rough bulge) - tuberosity of the tibia. The quadriceps tendon is attached to it ( including the patellar ligament ).
The edges or faces - the anterior, medial, and lateral, facing the fibula and serving as the attachment point of the interosseous membrane, is called margo interossea. Between these edges surfaces are formed - medial, posterior and lateral. Some of them can be felt under the skin yourself - the front face and the medial surface.
The lowest part of the bone in the leg anatomy is the distal pineal gland - the medial ankle is located below. Behind it is a groove for the tendon. At the bottom of the pineal gland there are formations. They are adapted for joining with the foot.
Internal structure
The tibia belongs to the group of long tubular bones. Therefore, it has features of the internal structure that are characteristic of the entire class. The following parts are distinguished:
- On top of the bone is covered with periosteum. This is the outermost layer. It has channels through which blood vessels and nerves pass. These channels are also a link between all layers of the tube. The periosteum is a connective tissue plate that is formed from fibrous fibers. They are located outside, and the inner side is made by osteoblasts - they form a more loose layer.
- Compact and spongy substances are isolated. The latter lies a little deeper and has a special porous structure. It is formed by bone trabeculae. They are built of plates.
- Bone marrow. One of the most important parts of the body in which hematopoiesis occurs. It is located in the middle of the bones in the form of a liquid and consists of two components: yellow and red. Yellow is made up of fat cells, and the other is made up of reticular tissue.
- Osteoblasts and osteoclasts destroy and also create tissue. They are in the red component of the bone marrow.
Bone function
There are such tasks of the bone: supporting or supporting, motor.
Among the ligaments of the tibia, the following are distinguished: cruciate anterior and posterior (attached to the intercondylar region), patella of the ligament (to tuberosity), collateral tibial.
Bone location
The tibia is located on the front and inner side of the tibia. Its outlines are visible through the skin. At the top, it is thicker. Forms the lower half of the knee joint. Below (under the patella) is the place where the muscles join. Next is the main part having a tubular structure. It smoothly passes into the surface of the ankle joint, as well as into the ankle.
Possible causes of injury to the leg bones
The following causes of injury are distinguished:
- Accident;
- unprepared jump or fall from a height;
- kneecap injury (for example, falling when running fast);
- tucking a limb in the ankle joint;
- getting hit with a heavy blunt object.
After receiving a leg injury, a person urgently needs to seek qualified help.
Damage classification
Damage to that part of the leg where the tibia is located can be divided into:
- fractures
- epiphysiolysis;
- cracks;
- bruises.
They differ in the degree of trauma.
Fractures in turn are divided into:
- transverse; with such damage is applied perpendicular to the bone axis;
- oblique; when they reveal a violation of the structure at an angle other than 90 degrees;
- helical; in this case, the fracture line looks like a spiral;
- fragmentation; the bone is destroyed into several (usually more than 3) parts;
- intraarticular; in this case, the injury catches the medial ankle and condyle.
In addition to the above, fractures are distinguished: open, closed. In the first case, soft tissue damage occurs. The result is an open wound and heavy bleeding. In the second case, parts of the destroyed bone do not rip the skin and do not protrude.
The most susceptible to fracture parts are the ankles, the posterior and anterior sections of the tibia, and the condyle.
Symptoms and confirmation of the diagnosis
Any fracture can be characterized by the following symptoms:
- pain in the place where the tibia is sharp and sharp, and at rest and in dynamics; it can also be caused by pressing the heel or foot;
- deformation of the lower leg, it is easy to notice when viewed;
- sensations of cod at the slightest change in the position of the leg;
- it is not possible to bend the leg due to severe pain;
- swelling of the soft tissues, the occurrence of bruising;
- in the event of an open fracture, a wound profusely pouring with blood is visible.
To determine and correct the diagnosis, the doctor sends the patient to an x-ray of the tibia and lower leg. It is done in two projections of both limbs. Using the image, you can determine the severity of the injury, and on its basis, the specialist can choose the treatment method and the necessary procedures.
With a fracture inside the joint, arthroscopy is performed. The procedure is performed with a check of the ligaments inside the joint. If during the fracture the fibers of the nerve endings are affected and damaged, then electroneuromyography is performed. An MRI or CT scan may also be prescribed for a deeper analysis of the injury.
Treatment
In case of a fracture of the leg bones, first aid must be provided very quickly.
- Immobilization of the limb. It is necessary to impose a tire that can be made from almost any improvised means.
- Application of a tourniquet. It is carried out only with severe bleeding. The tourniquet is fixed below the wound in case of damage to the vein. In the case of an artery, it must be placed above the wounded site. Blood from an arterial vein is dark in color.
- To prevent the ingress of damaging microparticles into the body and the development of blood poisoning, it is necessary to remove all foreign bodies near the damaged area. Next, apply a sterile dressing with a disinfectant.
- Take pain medication to alleviate pain.
Then the victim must be quickly taken to the hospital. There, experts will make an accurate diagnosis, and then prescribe treatment.
If the bone is not displaced, then only bandages are needed to fix the limbs in one position at the place where the tibia is located.
More often during displacements it is necessary to stretch the skeleton. A medical needle is passed through the heel bone, and the damaged limb is laid and fixed on the tire. They attach a load to it. Its weight is calculated individually for each person. It may depend on body weight, muscle condition, type of injury.
Surgical intervention is required for fractures in a complex form, when primitive methods are not effective enough. The patient is under observation in a hospital for about a week. At this time, a comprehensive examination of the body and damaged bones is carried out.
For surgical intervention, various metal structures are used. They allow the osteosynthesis procedure. It can take about a month for bone fusion in normal cases.
Rehabilitation Features
The following therapies are prescribed to restore blood circulation and muscle tone:
- massage of damaged limbs;
- a course of exercises to strengthen the ligaments and muscle development (physiotherapy exercises, gymnastics);
- physiotherapy in clinics.