Intercondylar fossa
Fossa intercondylaris
Definition
The intercondylar fossa (a.k.a. intercondylar notch) is the space that separates the medial and lateral condyles of the lower end of the femur. It is anteriorly limited by the patella, while its posterior extent is marked by a distinct intercondylar line that separates it from the popliteal surface of the femur.
The intercondylar fossa serves as a housing for the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament is attached to the medial side of the lateral condyle, while the posterior cruciate ligament is attached to the lateral side of the medial condyle of the femur.
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.
Standring, S. and Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 80: Pelvic girdle, gluteal region and thigh’ in Gray’s anatomy The anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 1348-1353.
Hirtler, L., Kainberger, F. and Röhrich, S. (2022). The intercondylar fossa-A narrative review. Clin Anat. 35(1):2-14. doi: 10.1002/ca.23773. Epub 2021 Aug 24. PMID: 34374453.
