Stephen Curry Injury: What Are TibioFibular Ligaments And Why Warriors Star Could Miss 6 Weeks

The Warriors announced on Sunday that all-star point guard Stephen Curry will be re-evaluated in three weeks after he suffered tibiofibular ligaments and interosseous membrane sprains from a left leg contusion. 

The 34-year-old is expected to be out through the all-star break and will likely miss 4-6 weeks, according to the Pro Basketball Docs. 

The tib-fib ligaments that Steve Kerr said he “didn't know those… existed” won't require surgery and Curry will be able to return at full strength for the playoffs as he did last spring. 

Stephen Curry Left Knee Injury, Explained

His lateral left knee was rapidly pushed inward and his foot was planted, an injury mechanism consistent with an MCL and high-ankle sprain. 

According to the Pro Basketball Docs, his MCL was likely spared because he suffered a Grade 2 sprain in 2018 and the injury caused residual laxity. 

Because the MCL on the inside of the knee was able to withstand more, the proximal suprerior tib-fib joints at the point of impact instead suffered damage. 

This injury is often called “parachute jumper's knee” because the stress of landing –  and doing so over and over again – causes dislocations and tendinopathy at the top of tib-fib joint.

Curry suffered a similar circumstance last March: he appeared to suffer a significant left ankle sprain when Marcus Smart dove towards his legs but his ankle laxity and heavy brace re-directed the stress to the intermetatarsal ligaments connecting his mid-foot and toe. 

He missed 11 games over 27 days and returned for the playoffs and, just like after his 2018 MCL sprain, initially came off the bench and led the Warriors to another championship.