Medial condyle of femur

Medial Condyle of Femur

Medial condyle of femur shown in red. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The Medial Condyle of Femur is a prominent structure located at the distal end of the femur, the largest bone in the human body. It is one of the two condyles that make up the lower extremity of the femur, the other being the lateral condyle. The medial condyle is larger and more prominent than the lateral condyle due to the greater weight borne on the inner side of the knee.

Anatomy

The medial condyle is oval or elliptical in shape, and its front and back surfaces are slightly convex. The front surface is smooth for articulation with the patella, while the back surface is covered with a thin layer of cartilage. The medial condyle articulates with the tibia to form the knee joint.

Function

The primary function of the medial condyle is to facilitate the movement of the knee joint. It also serves as an attachment site for several important ligaments, including the medial collateral ligament, which provides stability to the knee.

Clinical Significance

Injuries to the medial condyle can result in significant knee instability and pain. Fractures of the medial condyle, while less common than those of the lateral condyle, are typically more severe due to the weight-bearing nature of the medial side of the knee.

See Also

• Femur
• Knee
• Lateral condyle of femur
• Medial collateral ligament