ANATOMY: Bone Structure of Femur

Trochanteric fossa of femur

Deep depression at the base of the greater trochanter Bounded posteriorly by the intertrochanteric crest

Spiral line of femur

Faint continuation of the intertrochanteric line on the posterior surface of femure Converges with pectineal line to form the medial lip of linea aspira

Pectineal line of femur

Line inferior from the lesser trochanter on the posterior surface of femur Converges with spiral line to form the medial lip of linea aspira

Patellar surface of femur

Space between the medial and lateral condyles on anterior surface of femur Extends posteriorly to form the intercondylar surface

Femur

The longest and heaviest bone of the body

Shaft of femur

The shaft is angled inferomedially from the trochanters Distal end is positioned near center of gravity to allow balance of full upper body weight on one limb during walking

Intertrochanteric line of femur

Variable ridge extending between lesser trochanter and greater trochanter on anterior surface of femur

Angle of inclination of femur

Angle created by the neck and shaft of femur Almost vertical at birth Angle decreases through age

Lateral supracondylar line of femur

As linea aspira extends down the posterior surface of femoral shaft, its lateral lip will course laterally to form the lateral supracondylar line of femur

Medial supracondylar line of femur

As linea aspira extends down the posterior surface of femoral shaft, its medial lip will course medially to form the medial supracondylar line of femur

Lateral condyle of femur

Lateral large rounded surface on distal portion of femur

Gluteal tuberosity of femur

Line extending from the base of greater trochanter on the posterior surface of femur Forms the lateral lip of linea aspira

Lesser trochanter of femur

Medial (slightly posterior) projection on posterior surface of femur

Medial condyle of femur

Medial large rounded surface on distal portion of femur

Neck of femur

Most narrow part of the femur Frequent site of fractures Angled superomedially from the trochanters

Adductor tubercle of femur

Small raised termination site of medial supracondylar line of femur

Fovea of femoral head

Small, concave, depression within the femoral head Only part of femoral head not covered in hyaline cartilage Serves as an attachment site for the ligament of head of femur

Intercondylar fossa of femur

Space between the medial and lateral condyles on posterior surface of femur Extends anteriorly to form the patellar surface

Head of femur

Spherical structure on proximal end of femur Covered in hyaline cartilage (except fovea)

Angle of declination of femur (Angle of torsion)

When viewing the femur from superiorly The axis of the head and neck angles anteriorly while the transverse axis of the femoral condyles remains flat in the coronal plane

Intertrochanteric crest of femur

Bony ridge extending between greater trochanter and lesser trochanter on posterior surface of femur

Lateral epicondyle

Projection from lateral surface of the lateral condyle of femur

Medial epicondyle

Projection from medial surface of the medial condyle of femur

Linea aspira

Ridge extending down the posterior surface of femoral shaft Consists of a medial and lateral lip

Greater trochanter of femur

Superior projection on posterior surface of femur

Popliteal surface of femur

Surface space located between the medial and lateral supracondylar lines of femur