condyles

Condyles are rounded projections at the end of a bone that participate in a joint, forming a smooth articulating surface covered by articular cartilage. They enable movement by fitting into a complementary concavity or fossa on another bone, as part of synovial joints.

In anatomical terminology, a condyle differs from an epicondyle, the latter being a raised area above a condyle that serves mainly as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles. Condyles are typically involved directly in articulation and weight-bearing, whereas epicondyles are primarily attachment points for soft tissues.

Prominent examples of condyles include the occipital condyles at the base of the skull, which articulate with the first cervical vertebra (the atlas) and allow nodding and slight rotation of the head; the mandibular condyle (condylar process) of the lower jaw, which forms part of the temporomandibular joint with the temporal bone; and the distal femoral condyles (medial and lateral) that articulate with the tibial plateau at the knee. The proximal tibial condyles also participate in knee articulation, meeting the femoral condyles to form a hinge-like joint with supporting menisci and ligaments.

Some descriptions of the distal humerus refer to structures such as the capitulum and trochlea rather than traditional condyles, though these regions serve a comparable role in joint formation with the forearm bones.

Clinical relevance includes condylar fractures or degenerative changes at condylar surfaces, which can affect joint stability, alignment, and range of motion, as seen in the jaw and knee joints.