Anatomy of the Lower Femur

Posterior Features of the Distal Femur

• Medial and lateral supracondylar lines: These lines are located superior to the condyles and serve as roughened surfaces for tendon attachment points.
• Intercondylar fossa: A depression situated between the two condyles that acts as the attachment point for the cruciate ligaments.

Epicondyles and Associated Structures

• Lateral epicondyle: Located on the outer side of the femur, it functions as a ligament attachment point and helps form the knee joint capsule.
• Medial epicondyle: A large protuberance on the inner surface of the bone that serves as a point for tendon attachment.
• Adductor tubercle: A specific site on the medial femur where the tendon of the adductor magnus muscle attaches.

Condyles and Patellar Articulation

• Medial and lateral condyles: These structures articulate with the facets of the patella, specifically interacting during knee flexion.
• Patellar surface: Located on the anterior aspect of the femur, this surface accommodates the patella when the leg is in a state of full extension.