Femur

Original Editor - Daphne Jackson

Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton, Kim Jackson, Evan Thomas, Daphne Jackson, Joanne Garvey, Admin, WikiSysop and Joao Costa

Articulations

The femoral head of the proximal femur articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis, forming a "ball-and-socket" joint, in which the femoral head acts at the ball and the acetabulum as the socket. This formation allows for movement at the hip in three planes: flexion and extension in the sagittal plane, abduction and adduction in the frontal plane, and internal and external rotation in the horizontal plane.

Distally, the convex femoral condyles of the femur articulate with the condyles of the femur, forming the tibiofemoral joint. Movement at the tibiofemoral joint occurs in two planes: knee flexion and extension in the sagittal plane, and internal and external rotation in the horizontal plane.

The patellofemoral joint is formed by the articulation of the patella with the intercondylar/trochlear groove of the femur. During flexion and extension of the knee, the articular surfaces of the patella and femur perform a sliding movement.

Functions

As the largest and strongest bone in the body, the femur serves an important weight bearing function and is an essential component of the lower kinetic chain. The robust shape of the femur provides many sturdy attachment points for the powerful muscles of the hip and knee that contribute to walking and other propulsive movements.

Injuries and Conditions

Femoral fractures can occur at the femoral head, shaft, or condyles, with a fracture of the femoral neck being the most commonly fractured location. Osteoporosis is a significant risk factor for fractures of the femoral neck.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common sports-related injury that presents as pain around or behind the patella, typically with an insidious onset. The cause of the condition is unclear, but neurologic, genetic, neuromuscular and/or biomechanical factors may contribute to its development.