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Topic

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Articular surface of lateral tibial condyle

The articular surface of the lateral tibial condyle forms the lateral part of the tibial plateau and participates in the formation of the knee joint by articulating with the lateral femoral condyle. It is characterized by a relatively convex contour and plays a key role in load transmission and mobility within the lateral compartment of the knee.

This surface is an important focus in orthopedic anatomy, trauma assessment, sports medicine, and knee imaging.

Synonyms

  • Lateral tibial plateau

  • Lateral tibial articular surface

Location

  • Situated at the proximal end of the tibia

  • Forms the lateral half of the tibial plateau

  • Lateral to the intercondylar eminence

  • Inferior to the lateral femoral condyle

  • Contributes to the lateral compartment of the knee joint

Anatomical components

  • Hyaline articular cartilage covering the bony surface

  • Subchondral bone plate beneath the cartilage

  • Peripheral rim:

    • Attachment for the lateral meniscus

  • Central area:

    • Articulates with the lateral femoral condyle

Relations

Superiorly:

  • Lateral femoral condyle

Inferiorly:

  • Metaphysis of the proximal tibia

Medially:

  • Intercondylar eminence and tibial spine

Laterally:

  • Capsule of the knee joint

  • Fibular head (indirectly, posterolateral)

Anteriorly:

  • Anterior horn of the lateral meniscus

Posteriorly:

  • Posterior horn of the lateral meniscus

X-ray appearance

Plain radiographs (AP and lateral knee views):

  • Lateral tibial plateau: Appears as a smooth, slightly convex articular contour

  • Joint space: Preserved between lateral femoral condyle and tibial surface

  • Subchondral bone: Uniform density without cortical interruption

CT appearance 

Non-contrast CT:

  • Articular surface: Well-defined cortical outline of the lateral tibial plateau

  • Subchondral bone: Homogeneous trabecular pattern

  • Contour: Typically convex relative to the medial side

  • Meniscus: Not directly visualized but attachment inferred

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Subchondral marrow: High signal intensity

  • Cortical bone: Low signal line beneath cartilage

  • Articular cartilage: Intermediate signal layer

T2-weighted images:

  • Articular cartilage: Intermediate-to-high signal relative to bone

  • Joint fluid: High signal outlining the articular surface

  • Subchondral bone: Low signal

STIR:

  • Marrow fat: Suppressed signal

  • Cartilage: Relatively intermediate signal

  • Joint fluid: Bright signal providing surface contrast

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Articular cartilage: Well delineated with intermediate signal

  • Joint fluid: High signal

  • Subchondral bone: Suppressed fat signal improves contrast

MRI image

Articular surface of lateral tibial condyle mri anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000

CT image

Articular surface of lateral tibial condyle ct anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000

CT VRT 3D image

Articular surface of lateral tibial condyle 3d