Intercondylar area

The intercondylar area is the rough, central part of the tibial plateau. 

Gross anatomy

The intercondylar area is located between the proximal articular surfaces of the medial and lateral tibial condyles. It is non-articular. In the middle of the intercondylar area are: 

• intercondylar eminence: narrow, raised central part of the intercondylar area
• medial and lateral intercondylar tubercles or spines: arise from the central aspect of the intercondylar eminence

Attachments

Six facets are present for the attachment of the cruciate ligaments and menisci:

• anterior horn of the lateral meniscus: anterior to the medial intercondylar tubercle
• anterior cruciate ligament: anteromedial to the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus attachment
• anterior horn of the medial meniscus: at the anterior margin of the intercondylar area
• posterior horn of the lateral meniscus: posterior to the lateral intercondylar tubercle
• posterior horn of the medial meniscus: posterior to the attachment of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and anterior to the attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament
• posterior cruciate ligament: the posterior margin of the intercondylar area

Related pathology

• associated with avulsion injuries