Femur

Question 1

What is the longest bone in the body?

Answer 1

Femur

Question 2

What is the main function of the femur?

Answer 2

To transmit forces from the tibia to the hip joint

Question 3

What are the three general areas of the femur?

Answer 3

Proximal

Shaft

Distal

Question 4

What does the proximal area of the femur do?

Answer 4

Forms the hip joint with the pelvis. Consists of the head and the neck and two bony processes called trochanters. Two bodge ridges connect the trochanters

Question 5

What is the location and function of the head of the femur?

Answer 5

Articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis to form the hip joint. Has a smooth surface with a depression on the medial aspect for the attachment to the ligament of head of the femur.

Question 6

What is the location and function of neck of the femur?

Answer 6

Connects the head of the femur with the shaft.

• cylindrical
• projects superiorly and in a medial direction
• angle of projection allows for an increased range of movement at the hip joint

Question 7

What is the location and function of the greater trochanter?

Answer 7

• projection of bone originating from the anterior aspect, laterally to the neck
• angled superiorly and posteriorly
• found on both anterior and posterior sides
• site of attachment for:
  
  • gluteus medius
  • gluteus minimus
  • piriformis

Question 8

What is the location and function of the lesser trochanter?

Answer 8

• smaller than greater trochanter
• projects from posteromedial side of the femur, inferior to the neck-shaft junction
• site of attachment for:
  
  • psoas major
  • iliacus muscles

Question 9

What is the location and relevance of the intertrochanteric line?

Answer 9

• ridge of bone running inferomedial direction on the anterior surface of the femur
• connects the two trochanters together
• known as the pectineal line after passing the lesser trochanter on the posterior side
• site of attachment for the iliofemoral ligament

Question 10

What is the location and relevance of the intertrochanteric crest?

Answer 10

• similar to the intertrochanteric line but located posteriorly
• rounded tubercle on the superior half: quadrate tubercle
  
  • location at which the quadratus femoris attaches

Question 11

What are the two main groups of proximal femur fractures?

Answer 11

• Intracapsular fracture
• Extracapsular fracture

Question 12

Describe an intracapsular fracture of the proximal femur

Answer 12

• occurs within the capsule
• can damage the medial femoral circumflex artery causing avascular necrosis of the femoral head
• distal fragment is pulled upwards and rotated laterally
  
  • causes a shorter leg length and toes pointing laterally
• more commonly in elderly and women
  
  • results from trips or falls