Median groove of trochlea of femur

The median groove of the trochlea of the femur (trochlear groove) is a depression that runs longitudinally along the femoral trochlea on the patellar surface of femur between the medial and lateral femoral condyles. This groove plays a crucial role in the articulation with the patella, facilitating smooth patellar tracking during knee flexion and extension.

The trochlear groove is typically described as having a consistent orientation close to the sagittal plane, despite variations in distal condylar anatomy.[1] The groove is generally circular in shape when viewed in the sagittal plane, with an average radius of curvature around 25.5 mm.[2] The groove's position is laterally located relative to the mechanical axis of the femur and is not aligned with the anatomical or transcondylar axes.[3]