The human tibia 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 of the group.
Where is the tibia? 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 the anatomy of the leg, the bone occupies a medial position and is connected to the femur by the knee joint. An ankle joint is also formed on the reverse side.
Exterior 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. To form a connection with the femur, there are articular areas in the human leg. Between them there is an intercondylar eminence, on which there are medial and lateral tubercles.
There are two pits or fields at the ends of the elevation in front and behind. They serve to attach the ligaments of the tibia and the knee joint. There is a capsule on the articular surfaces.
On the anterior surface of the bone there is a tuberosity (rough bulge) - tuberosity of the tibia. The tendon of the quadriceps muscle is attached to it (including the patellar ligament).
Edges or faces - anterior, medial, and lateral, facing the fibula and serving as an attachment point for 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 on their own - the anterior face and the medial surface.
The lowest part of the bone in the anatomy of the leg is the distal epiphysis - below is the medial malleolus. Behind it is a groove for the tendon. At the bottom of the epiphysis there are formations. They are adapted to attach with the foot.
Internal structure
The tibia belongs to the group of long tubular bones. Therefore, it has features of the internal structure characteristic of the entire class. The following parts are distinguished:
- The top of the bone is covered with periosteum. This is the outermost layer. It has channels through which the bone-feedingvessels and nerves. These channels are also the connecting link between all layers of the tube. The periosteum is a connective tissue plate that is formed from fibrous fibers. They are located on the outside, and the inner side is made of osteoblasts - they form a looser layer.
- Separate compact and spongy substances. The latter lies a little deeper and has a special porous structure. It is formed by bony trabeculae. They are built from 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. The yellow one is made up of fat cells and the other one is made up of reticular tissue.
- Osteoblasts and osteoclasts break down as well as create tissue. They are found in the red component of the bone marrow.
Bone Functions
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 ligament (to the tuberosity), collateral tibial.
Bone location
The tibia is located on the front and inside of the lower leg. Her outlines are visible through the skin. It is thicker at the top. Forms the lower half of the knee joint. Below (under the kneecap) is the place where the muscles join. Next is the main part, which has a tubular structure. It smoothly blends into the surface.ankle joint, as well as in the ankle.
Possible causes of leg bone injury
The following causes of injury are distinguished:
- accident;
- unprepared jump or fall;
- patellar injury (e.g. falling while running fast);
- tucking the limb in the ankle joint;
- being hit hard by a heavy blunt object.
After a leg injury, a person urgently needs to seek qualified help.
Damage classification
Injuries to the part of the leg where the tibia is located can be divided into:
- fractures;
- epiphyseolysis;
- 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; they reveal a violation of the structure at an angle other than 90 degrees;
- helical; in this case, the break line looks like a spiral;
- fragmentation; the bone breaks into several (usually more than 3) pieces;
- intra-articular; in this case, the injury involves the medial malleolus and condyles.
In addition to those listed 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 destroyedthe bones do not tear the skin or protrude.
The most fractured parts are the ankles, the posterior and anterior tibia, and the condyles.
Symptoms and Confirmation of Diagnosis
Any fracture can be characterized by the following features:
- pain in the place where the tibia is located, which has a sharp and sharp character, both at rest and in dynamics; it can also be caused by pressing on the heel or foot;
- shin deformity, easy to see on examination;
- Cod sensation at the slightest change in leg position;
- it is not possible to bend the leg due to severe pain;
- swelling of soft tissues, bruising;
- in the case of an open fracture, a profusely bleeding wound 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. With the help of a picture, the severity of the injury can be determined, and based on it, the specialist can choose the method of treatment and the necessary procedures.
In case of a fracture inside the joint, arthroscopy is performed. The procedure is performed with a check of the ligaments inside the joint. If the fibers of the nerve endings are affected and damaged during the fracture, then electroneuromyography is performed. An MRI or CT scan may also be ordered for a deeper analysis of the injury.
Treatment
In case of fracture of the bones of the lower legit is necessary to provide first aid very quickly.
- Immobilization of a limb. It is necessary to apply a splint, which can be made from almost any improvised means.
- Applying 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 applied above the wounded area. Blood from an arterial vein is dark in color.
- To prevent the entry 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 relieve pain.
Then the victim must be quickly taken to the hospital. There, specialists will make an accurate diagnosis, and then they will prescribe treatment.
If the bone is not displaced, then only a bandage is enough to fix the limb in one position in the place where the tibia is located.
More often, displacements require stretching of the skeleton. A medical needle is passed through the heel bone, and the injured limb is placed and fixed on the splint. A load is attached 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 complex fractures when primitive methods are not effective enough. The patient is under observation in the hospital for about a week. At this time, a comprehensive examination of the body and damagedbones.
Different metal constructions are used for surgical intervention. They allow for the procedure of osteosynthesis. Normally, it may take about a month for the bones to heal.
Peculiarities in rehabilitation
To restore blood circulation and muscle tone, the following types of therapy are prescribed:
- massage of damaged limbs;
- a course of exercises to strengthen ligaments and develop muscles (physiotherapy exercises, gymnastics);
- physiotherapy in clinics.
