Understanding the Femur

Definition

• The femur is the principal bone of the thigh.
• The term "femur" comes from Latin meaning "thigh".

Primary Bony Landmarks

Proximal Features

• Head of the Femur:
  • Dome-shaped structure that articulates with the acetabulum of the os coxae forming the synovial hip joint.
• Fovea Capitus:
  • A small divot on the head of the femur where the ligamentum teres attaches.
• Neck of the Femur:
  • Located below the head, forming a 125-degree angle with the shaft.
  • Transmits forces down from the trunk to the thigh.

Trochanters

• Greater Trochanter:
  • Large bony prominence on the proximal posterior part.
  • Site for muscle attachments including gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and others.
• Lesser Trochanter:
  • Smaller prominence for the attachment of the iliopsoas muscles.

Intertrochanteric Lines

• Intertrochanteric Line:
  • Located between greater and lesser trochanters, serves as an attachment for the anterior part of the hip joint capsule.
• Intertrochanteric Crest:
  • Ridge between the greater and lesser trochanters, attachment for posterior joint capsule and quadratus femoris.

Distal Features

• Gluteal Tuberosity:
  • Bump for attachment of gluteus maximus muscle.
• Linea Aspera:
  • Rough line on the back for attachments of adductor muscles and others.
• Condyles:
  • Medial and Lateral Condyles:
    • Articulate with tibia to form a hinge joint for knee flexion and extension.
  • Intercondylar Notch:
    • Area where ACL and PCL attach.

Epicondyles and Other Features

• Adductor Tubercle:
  • Located on the medial distal femur for adductor magnus attachment.
• Adductor Hiatus:
  • Space where femoral artery and vein traverse to popliteal fossa.
• Medial and Lateral Epicondyles:
  • Attachments for medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) respectively.
• Patellar Surface:
  • Anterior surface where the patella sits; largest sesamoid bone formed within the quadriceps tendon.

Importance of Learning About the Femur

• Understanding the femur and its landmarks is crucial for:
  • Anatomy and physiology education.
  • Clinical applications in orthopedics and rehabilitation.
  • Knowledge of muscle attachments and joint mechanics.