The lateral condyle of the femur is the distal articular surface that meets the tibia at the knee.
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.
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.
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.
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) |
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 |
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.
The innervation to the lateral condyle region arises from articular branches of the:
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.
The lateral condyle is best visualized via:
The Merchant view is particularly useful for evaluating patellofemoral congruence and the shape of the lateral trochlear ridge.