Corpus: Intertrochanteric line

The linea intertrochanterica is a bony ridge that runs on the ventral side of the femur from the greater trochanter spiralling medially and caudally to the lesser trochanter.

Like the crista intertrochanterica on the dorsal side of the femur, the linea intertrochanterica marks the transition from the femoral shaft to the femoral neck.

The upper rough half of the linea intertrochanterica and the tubercle located at its cranial end are the attachment of the iliofemoral ligament. The lower, less prominent half is the origin of the upper part of the vastus medialis muscle.

The bone in the area of the linea intertrochanterica is exposed to high mechanical stress and is therefore a predilection site for femoral fractures. These fractures are therefore referred to as intertrochanteric fractures. They tend to heal with axial deviation and therefore require immediate surgical treatment with subsequent early mobilisation in order to avoid functional deficits.