Kondyl

Kondyl, or condyle in English, is a rounded prominence at the end of a bone that forms part of a joint. Condyles are typically smooth and are covered by articular cartilage to facilitate movement with an adjacent bone. They are often the primary articulation surface in a joint and can participate in hinge, ball-and-socket, or pivot movements, depending on their location and orientation.

Common examples occur in the skull and limbs. The occipital condyles sit at the base of the skull and articulate with the first cervical vertebra, enabling nodding and related motions. The mandibular condyle (condylar process) of the lower jaw articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint. In the limbs, the distal femoral condyles articulate with the tibial plateau at the knee, and the proximal tibial condyles serve as articulating surfaces for the femur.

Anatomically, condyles are distinct from epicondyles, which are projections just above a condyle that serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments. Condyles are typically paired on long bones (medial and lateral) and form key joints that enable load transfer and range of motion.

Clinical relevance includes fractures or dislocations involving condylar surfaces, which can compromise joint stability and movement. The term kondyl is used in several languages to denote these structures, while in English the standard term is condyle.