Distal Femur Anatomy: Detailed Analysis of Anatomical Features and Clinical Significance

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The distal femur represents a complex anatomical structure crucial for knee joint function and stability. Understanding its intricate anatomy is essential for medical professionals in orthopedics, sports medicine, and related fields, particularly for surgical planning and pathology assessment.

Distal Femur Anatomy: Detailed Analysis of Anatomical Features and Clinical Significance

Labeled Components

Patellar Surface

  • Anterior articular surface for patellofemoral joint
  • Features a vertical groove for patellar tracking during knee flexion and extension

Medial Groove

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  • Anatomical depression on the medial aspect
  • Provides attachment points for crucial ligamentous structures

Lateral Groove

  • Mirror structure to medial groove on lateral aspect
  • Serves as attachment site for lateral retinacular structures

Medial Epicondyle

  • Prominent bony projection on medial aspect
  • Primary attachment site for MCL and part of medial retinaculum

Lateral Epicondyle

  • Bony prominence on lateral aspect
  • Serves as attachment for LCL and lateral retinacular structures

Medial Condyle

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  • Large rounded articular surface medially
  • Bears significant weight during stance and articulates with medial tibial plateau

Lateral Condyle

  • Slightly smaller than medial condyle
  • Articulates with lateral tibial plateau and allows rotation

Semilunar Area

  • Curved region adjacent to medial epicondyle
  • Important for attachment of posterior capsular structures

Intercondylar Fossa

  • Deep notch between condyles
  • Houses crucial ACL and PCL attachments

Functional Anatomy

Biomechanical Significance

The distal femur’s architecture enables complex knee movements while maintaining stability. Its design allows for both rolling and gliding motions during flexion and extension. This complex geometry is crucial for normal knee kinematics.

Articular Relationships

Patellofemoral Joint

  • Patellar tracking mechanism
  • Q-angle considerations
  • Pressure distribution patterns

Tibiofemoral Joint

  • Weight-bearing mechanics
  • Rotational alignment
  • Condylar roll-back phenomenon

Clinical Applications

Surgical Considerations

Understanding distal femoral anatomy is crucial for:

  • Total knee arthroplasty planning
  • Ligament reconstruction
  • Fracture fixation
  • Osteotomy procedures

Pathological Conditions

Osteoarthritis

  • Pattern of wear
  • Compartmental involvement
  • Deformity development

Trauma

  • Fracture patterns
  • Ligamentous injuries
  • Osteochondral lesions

Advanced Concepts

Vascular Supply

The distal femur receives blood supply from:

  • Genicular arterial network
  • Nutrient arteries
  • Periosteal vessels
  • Metaphyseal blood supply

Understanding these anatomical features is essential for proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical intervention in knee pathologies.


  1. “Distal Femur Anatomy: Complete Guide for Medical Professionals”
  2. “Knee Joint Anatomy: Detailed Analysis of Distal Femoral Structure”
  3. “Understanding Distal Femur: Comprehensive Anatomical Guide”
  4. “Distal Femoral Anatomy: Clinical Perspectives and Surgical Applications”
  5. “Knee Anatomy: Detailed Guide to Distal Femoral Components”

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