The third osseous ambiguous tubercle-A study on Indian population

Abstract

Abstract Background & Aim: Bony prominences on the medial side of the lower end of femur include the adductor tubercle and the medial epicondyle. A third osseous ambiguous tubercle or the Gastrocnemius tubercle is often noted about which there is not much mention in standard textbooks of Anatomy. This tubercle gives attachment to the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle. Its clinical relevance cannot be under estimated particularly in cases of treatment of rupture of medial head of gastrocnemius [Tennis leg] and while raising of Gastrocnemius flaps. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in150 dry femora and in 10 dissected knee joints [Total femora 160 : 150 dry bones+ 10 cadaveric femora] gross specimens. The presence of gastrocnemius tubercle, supracondylar tubercle, the distances between gastrocnemius tubercle and adductor tubercle, medial epicondyle and condylar margin were measured. Results: The incidence of gastrocnemius tubercle was 55% and was predominantly noted on the right side [63%]. The average distance between the gastrocnemius tubercle and the adductor tubercle was 6 mm, and the average distance between the gastrocnemius tubercle and medial epicondyle was 15 mm. The incidence ofsupracondylartubercle was 71% and in 95% of the bones it was noted above the medial condylar margin. Conclusion: The awareness of the presence of gastrocnemius tubercle and supracondylar bony prominences in the medial side of lower end of femur will be of much use to the Orthopaedic surgeons and Plastic surgeons