The lateral femoral epicondyle is the bony prominence on the lateral distal femur, providing attachment for the lateral collateral ligament of the knee, the popliteus tendon origin, and the lateral head of gastrocnemius. It is non-articular and lies slightly posterior and proximal to the articular surface of the lateral condyle.
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| Ossification | Secondary ossification centre for the lateral epicondyle appears at age 3-4 years and fuses with the lateral condyle by age 16-18 years. |
The lateral epicondyle is the reference point for LCL and posterolateral corner reconstruction. The popliteus tendon origin, just posterior and distal to the LCL attachment, is a precise landmark for posterolateral corner surgery. Osteophyte formation at the lateral epicondyle is common in advanced knee osteoarthritis. Avulsion of the lateral epicondyle occurs in high-energy knee dislocations with LCL rupture.
Bend the knee to about 90 degrees and feel on the outer side of the lower femur, above the joint line, for the most prominent bony point; this is the lateral epicondyle. The iliotibial band slides over it during knee flexion and extension, which is where friction pain is felt in runners.
Friction or compression of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral epicondyle causes lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists.
Varus injury may avulse the LCL from the epicondyle.
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