Gerdy tubercle is a bony prominence on the anterolateral surface of the proximal tibia, just below the lateral tibial condyle, between the tibial tuberosity and the fibular head. It is the main bony insertion of the iliotibial band and a consistent palpable landmark on the lateral knee. Some anterolateral capsular fibres also reach this region.
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| Ossification | Part of the proximal tibial epiphysis, which ossifies from a secondary centre present at or just after birth and fuses with the shaft at about 16-18 years. |
The Segond fracture is a small avulsion from the lateral tibial plateau rim, just proximal and posterior to Gerdy tubercle, caused by the anterolateral ligament and lateral capsule during internal rotation and varus stress. It is strongly associated with ACL rupture, so this fragment on a radiograph should prompt MRI. A larger avulsion of Gerdy tubercle itself by the IT band is a separate, less common injury seen with lateral knee ligament trauma. IT band syndrome in runners causes pain mainly where the band crosses the lateral femoral epicondyle, not at its tibial insertion. Gerdy tubercle is also used as a landmark in lateral knee surgery and as a site for harvesting IT band or anchoring lateral extra-articular procedures.
Find the tibial tuberosity, then move about 2-3 cm outward and slightly upward on the front of the lateral tibial condyle. The smooth bony bump there is Gerdy tubercle, where the iliotibial band attaches; extending the knee against resistance makes the band tighten onto it.
An avulsion of the lateral tibial plateau rim, just proximal and posterior to Gerdy tubercle, by the anterolateral ligament and capsule during internal rotation and varus stress; strongly associated with ACL rupture and requiring MRI.
Avulsion of the tubercle by the iliotibial band, usually with other lateral knee ligament injuries, managed by fixation when displaced.
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