The word "supracondylar ridge" (IPA: /suːprəˈkɒndɪlər ˈrɪdʒ/) refers to a bony ridge located above the condyle of the femur or humerus. The spelling of this word can be analyzed phonetically by breaking it down into syllables and considering the sounds that comprise each syllable. The first syllable "su-" contains a long u sound /uː/, while the second syllable "-pra-" contains an unstressed vowel sound /ə/. The next three syllables "-con-dy-lar" contain a stress pattern of weak-strong-weak and the final syllable "-ridge" contains a short i sound /ɪ/.
The supracondylar ridge refers to a distinct bony prominence found on the femur, specifically in the distal region (the end closest to the knee joint). It is a ridge or crest that extends horizontally along the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) sides of the femur, just above the condyles.
The femur is the largest bone of the thigh, connecting to the hip bone at the top and the tibia (shinbone) at the bottom. The supracondylar ridge is crucial because it serves as an attachment site for various muscles and ligaments that help stabilize and move the knee joint. Notably, the medial supracondylar ridge provides support for the adductor magnus muscle, which is responsible for thigh adduction (bringing the leg towards the midline of the body). On the other hand, the lateral supracondylar ridge assists in stabilizing the iliotibial tract, a fibrous band that runs along the outside of the thigh.
The supracondylar ridge plays an essential role in maintaining functional movement and stability of the knee joint. However, it can also be subject to various conditions or injuries, such as stress fractures, muscle strains, or ligament tears, which may cause pain and limit mobility. Understanding the anatomy and function of the supracondylar ridge is crucial for medical professionals in diagnosing and treating knee-related issues.
Epicondylic r.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "supracondylar" comes from the combination of two Latin roots: "supra", meaning "above" or "over", and "condylus", which refers to a bony prominence or knuckle. The term "ridge" is derived from the Old English word "hrycg", meaning "back" or "spine".