Lateral condyle of femur

The lateral condyle of the femur is one of two rounded, distal projections on the femur that articulate with the tibia and the patella to form part of the knee joint. Located on the outer aspect of the distal femur, the lateral condyle is larger in the anteroposterior direction compared to the medial condyle and is involved in stabilizing the knee during movement. It contributes to both the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations and serves as a crucial structural and functional element in the mechanics of the lower limb.

Structure

The lateral condyle is a prominent, convex projection on the distal femur that extends posteriorly and inferiorly. It has articular and non-articular surfaces and is composed of a thick layer of subchondral bone beneath a cartilage-covered outer surface. The condyle is separated from the medial condyle by the intercondylar fossa, which accommodates the cruciate ligaments of the knee.

Surfaces

• Articular surface: Smooth and convex, it articulates with the lateral condyle of the tibia and with the posterior surface of the patella via the trochlear groove.
• Posterior surface: Extends into the posterior aspect of the femur and plays a role in the knee’s posterior articulation.
• Lateral epicondyle: A raised area on the outer surface of the condyle that serves as an attachment point for ligaments.

Key Features

• Trochlear (patellar) surface: Anteriorly located groove that extends from the shaft down to the condyles and interacts with the patella during flexion and extension.
• Lateral lip of trochlea: Projects more anteriorly and superiorly than the medial lip, guiding patellar tracking and preventing lateral dislocation.
• Intercondylar fossa (notch): Separates the lateral and medial condyles posteriorly and provides space for the cruciate ligaments.

Location

The lateral condyle is located on the distal, lateral aspect of the femur. It lies superior to the lateral tibial condyle and articulates directly with it. The condyle is positioned posteroinferior to the shaft of the femur and lateral to the intercondylar fossa.

• Superior: Shaft of the femur and supracondylar line
• Inferior: Lateral condyle of the tibia
• Anterior: Patella (via the trochlear groove)
• Posterior: Popliteal surface and origin of lateral head of gastrocnemius

Function

• Articulation: Forms part of the knee joint by articulating with the lateral tibial condyle and patella.
• Stabilization: Contributes to the structural integrity of the knee during weight-bearing and motion.
• Force distribution: Helps distribute body weight from the femur to the tibia during walking, running, and squatting.

Articulations

The lateral condyle of the femur participates in two key joints:

Joint	Articulating Structures	Joint Type
Tibiofemoral joint	Lateral femoral condyle with lateral tibial condyle	Synovial hinge
Patellofemoral joint	Anterior condylar surface with posterior patella	Synovial plane (gliding)

Muscular and Ligamentous Attachments

Although the articular surface of the lateral condyle is not a direct site for muscle attachment, its surrounding non-articular regions serve as origins or attachment sites for several important ligaments and muscles.

Structure	Attachment Site	Function
Fibular collateral ligament (LCL)	Lateral epicondyle	Provides lateral stability to the knee joint
Lateral head of gastrocnemius	Posterior surface of lateral condyle	Plantarflexion of ankle and flexion of knee
Popliteus muscle	Groove on lateral condyle (posterior)	Unlocks knee joint from full extension

Blood Supply

The lateral condyle receives blood via genicular branches of the popliteal artery, specifically the lateral superior genicular and lateral inferior genicular arteries. These vessels anastomose around the knee to form a rich periarticular network that supports the distal femur and knee capsule.

Nerve Supply

The innervation to the lateral condyle region arises from articular branches of the:

• Common fibular (peroneal) nerve: Supplies the lateral capsule and surrounding ligaments
• Tibial nerve: Provides deep articular branches to the posterior knee and condylar structures
• Obturator nerve (posterior branch): Occasionally contributes articular twigs to the knee joint

Ossification

The lateral condyle develops from the primary ossification center of the femoral shaft and a secondary ossification center specific to the condyles. This center appears in early infancy and fuses with the femoral shaft during adolescence.

• Secondary center appears: Around 9 months of age
• Fusion with shaft: By age 16–18 years

Clinical Significance

• Lateral condyle fractures: Often result from direct trauma or rotational forces. In children, they may involve the physis and require precise management to prevent deformity.
• Osteochondritis dissecans: May affect the lateral condyle, especially in young athletes. Caused by subchondral bone necrosis and separation of cartilage fragments.
• Chondral lesions: Cartilage wear over the lateral condyle can contribute to patellofemoral syndrome and osteoarthritis.
• Lateral compartment osteoarthritis: Characterized by joint space narrowing, cartilage degradation, and bony sclerosis affecting the lateral femoral condyle and tibial plateau.
• Impingement syndromes: Abnormal morphology of the lateral condyle (e.g., increased anterior projection) can cause patellar maltracking or femoral-patellar conflict.

Imaging

The lateral condyle is best visualized via:

• X-ray: AP and lateral knee views show condylar height, joint space, and cortical integrity.
• MRI: Ideal for evaluating chondral lesions, ligament attachments, bone marrow edema, and osteochondritis dissecans.
• CT: Provides detailed 3D visualization of fracture lines or condylar morphology in surgical planning.

The Merchant view is particularly useful for evaluating patellofemoral congruence and the shape of the lateral trochlear ridge.