The femoral linea aspera: radiological pattern

Morphological study of linea aspera variations – proposal of classification and sexual dimorphism

“…Pitt [17] named it the "track sign" and proposed that it represents the linea aspera-pilaster complex. Hoeffel et al [10] assert that knowledge of the shape of the normal linea aspera is important and should not be confused with diseases such as symmetrical osteonecrosis. Also, Gheorghiu and Leinenkugel [8] noted that the "track sign" can be readily confused with the pathological "flame sign" of Paget's disease leading to unnecessary investigations.…”

“…While the spiral line, which provides the origin for the vastus medialis muscle, runs medially towards the lesser trochanter, the pectineal line, marking the insertion of the pectineus muscle, is located lateral and superior to it [15]. Contrary to this morphological definition, the clinical definition is short, because the linea aspera consists of two axially oriented parallel lines superimposed on the middle third of the posterior surface of the shaft [5,8,10,17]. However, according to our observations, the shape of the linea aspera is much more varied and so it is necessary to describe this structure more precisely.…”

The linea aspera as a guide for femoral rotation after tumor resection: is it directly posterior? A technical note

“…The pectineal line is the insertion for the pectineus muscle, which is located lateral and superior to it [ 1 ]. Radiographically, the linea aspera consists of two axially oriented parallel lines superimposed on the middle third of the posterior surface of the shaft of the femur [ 2 , 3 ]. Most anatomical textbooks and radiological studies describe the linea aspera as a “posterior” or “midline” structure.…”