Illustrated Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation: Opus V: Skeletal Systems: Thigh
Ronald A. Bergman, PhD
Adel K. Afifi, MD, MS
Ryosuke Miyauchi, MD
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
The shaft of the femur has been reported congenitally absent bilaterally, and the unilateral absence of the entire femur has also been described.
Occasionally, the gluteal tuberosity is significantly enlarged and is termed the third trochanter. The gluteal tuberosity may also be absent and, instead, the area may be a hypotrochanteric fossa. In some cases the tuberosity and the fossa coexist.
The development of the linea aspera may also show considerable variation.
A bony process, about 3 cm in length, has been described arising at the origin of the short head of the biceps femoris. It is though by some to be analogous to the supracondylar process of the humerus.
The patella is sometimes bipartite, probably due to failure of the ossification centers to unite, with the proximal lateral corner most frequently found as a separate piece. Congenital absence of the patella has been reported. In cases of congenital absence of the quadriceps muscle, the patella may be present but is usually dislocated.
Congenital Absence of the Femora.
Medial Supracondylar Process of Femur.
Medial Supercondylar Process of Femur.
Variations in Shapes of Patella Partita.
References
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