intercondylaire

Intercondylaire is an anatomical term describing structures located between the condyles of a bone, most often the femur or tibia. The term comes from Latin inter- "between" and condylus "condyle" and is used as an adjective in various anatomical phrases.

In the femur, the distal intercondylar region includes the fossa intercondylaris femoris, or intercondylar notch in some references. This hollow lies between the medial and lateral condyles on the posterior aspect of the distal femur and provides space for the cruciate ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament pass through the intercondylar notch to reach their tibial insertions; attachments and morphology of the notch can be relevant in radiographic assessment.

In the tibia, the superior aspect between the tibial condyles bears the intercondylar eminence (eminentia intercondylaris), formed by the medial and lateral tubercles. This intercondylar eminence serves as attachment points for the cruciate ligaments and forms part of the tibial plateau's central area.

Clinical relevance: the intercondylar region is commonly involved in trauma, with intercondylar fractures of the tibia or femur and associated ligament injuries. Imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) focuses on alignment of the condyles, the depth of the intercondylar notch, and the integrity of cruciate ligament attachments.

See also: condyle, fossa intercondylaris, eminentia intercondylaris, cruciate ligaments.