The Femur

The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body and extends from the hip joint to the knee joint. The femur consists of a shaft and two extremities, superior and inferior.

The superior (proximal) extremity bears a rounded prominence, the head. The head is attached to the shaft by the neck. At the junction of the neck and the shaft of the femur is a roughened prominence called the greater trochanter, which can be felt through the skin. The greater trochanter is the palpation point for the hip joint. Inferior to the greater trochanter and situated on the posterior and medial aspect of the bone is an eminence named the lesser trochanter.

A prominent longitudinal ridge or crest, the linea aspera, presenting an inner and an outer lip, mark the posterior surface of the shaft. The inferior or lower extremity presents two condyles, the lateral and medial, and the patellar facet. The condyles are separated on the posterior surface by the intercondylar fossa. Each condyle is surmounted by an elevation, the lateral and medial epicondyles. Above the condyles and the intercondylar fossa on the posterior aspect is a triangular area called the popliteal surface.

The Patella

The patella, or kneecap, is a sesamoid bone developed in the extensor tendon of the knee and is situated on the front of the knee joint. It is somewhat triangular in shape, with its pointed apex directed inferiorly, and its broad base superiorly. The posterior surface presents a smooth, oval, articular surface for articulation with the patellar surface and the condyles of the femur. The anterior surface is convex and rough.

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