Intercondylar Eminence

eminentia intercondylaris tibiae

The intercondylar eminence is the bony ridge dividing the medial and lateral tibial plateaus, consisting of medial and lateral intercondylar tubercles (tibial spines). The ACL attaches to the anterior intercondylar area just anterior to the medial tubercle, and the PCL attaches to the posterior intercondylar area. The anterior and posterior meniscal horns anchor in the intercondylar region around these structures.

Region: Knee

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures represent the paediatric equivalent of ACL tears, where the incompletely ossified tibial spine fails before the ACL ligament fibres. They are classified by Meyers and McKeever based on displacement. Non-displaced fractures are managed in extension casting; displaced fractures require arthroscopic reduction and fixation using sutures or a screw through the bony fragment. ACL reconstruction tunnels are placed in precise relationship to the intercondylar eminence: the femoral tunnel in the posterior intercondylar notch and the tibial tunnel just anterior to the PCL.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Tibial Spine Avulsion Fracture

A paediatric equivalent of ACL rupture, where the ACL avulses its bony tibial spine attachment rather than tearing the ligament substance, producing a haemarthrosis and positive Lachman test; managed by arthroscopic reduction and suture or screw fixation for displaced fragments.