Condyle vs. Epicondyle: What is the Difference Between Condyle and Epicondyle?

Both condyle and epicondyle are attachments for muscles and ligaments. Read this article to find out about the differences between condyles and epicondyles.
Condyle vs Epicondyle: 4 Key Differences, Examples, Pros & Cons

Both condyle and epicondyle are present in the bone joints. The major condyle vs epicondyle difference lies in their function. The function of the condyle is to facilitate the joining of one bone with another whereas the epicondyle facilitates the attachment of ligaments and tendons to the bone.

Let’s take a closer look at condyle vs. epicondyle here:

FunctionCondyle joins two bones while epicondyle joins a bone with ligaments and tendons
SurfaceThe condyle is smooth whereas the epicondyle has a rough surface
Size Condyle is larger than epicondyle
Relationship Epicondyle is present over condyle

What is Condyle?

What is Condyle? The condyle is the spherical bony bump at the end of a bone that joins it with another bone.

The condyle is the spherical bony bump at the end of a bone that joins it with another bone.

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What is Epicondyle?

What is Epicondyle? Epicondyle is a bony knob on the condyle that joins a bone with ligaments and tendons.

Epicondyle is a bony knob on the condyle that joins a bone with ligaments and tendons.

Condyle vs. Epicondyle Pros and Cons

Condyle Pros and Cons

Condyle Pros and Cons

Pros of Condyle

  • It facilitates the easy movement of joint bones. 
  • It reduces stress on the underlying bones.
  • It serves as basic support to the skeletal structure.

Cons of Condyle

  • Any fracture to the condyle takes a very long time to recover which can extend to several weeks.
  • An injury to the condyle restricts the movement greatly and causes immense pain.

Epicondyle Pros and Cons

Epicondyle Pros and Cons

Pros of Epicondyle

  • It cushions the bones beneath by attaching tendons and ligaments to them.
  • It helps in the separation of bones by making two openings on them. 

Cons of Epicondyle

  • Even a minor injury to the epicondyle can restrict movement substantially.
  • An issue with the epicondyle leads to severe pain and might need surgery to repair.
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Epicondyle vs. Condyle Examples

Examples of Condyle

  • Lateral Condyle 
  • Medial Condyle

Examples of Epicondyle

  • Medial Condyle of the humerus 
  • Lateral condyle of the femur

Bringing out the Similarities Between Condyle and Epicondyle for Better Understanding

  • Both condyle and epicondyle offer structural support to the body.
  • Both condyle and epicondyle are situated at the end of long bones.
  • An issue with any of these structures causes severe pain.

Understanding the Different Types of Condyles and Epicondyles

What is the Lateral Condyle?

A lateral condyle is present in the elbow and near the knee. The one in the elbow is called the lateral condyle of the humerus and the one near the knee is known as the lateral condyle of the femur.

What is the Medial Condyle?

One medial condyle is present in the elbow and is called the medial condyle of the humerus. The other one is present close to the knee surface and is known as the medial condyle of the femur.

What is the Lateral Epicondyle?

The human body consists of different lateral epicondyles. The first one is called the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and it is present on the elbow’s outer surface. The other one is called the lateral epicondyle of the femur and it is present close to the knee surface.

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What is the Medial Epicondyle?

One medial epicondyle is present on the elbow’s inner side and is called the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The other one is present close to the knee surface and is known as the medial epicondyle of the femur.

4 Key Differences Between Condyle and Epicondyle that You need to Know

Basis Condyle Epicondyle
DescriptionThe condyle is the spherical bony bump at the end of a bone to join another bone.Epicondyle is a bony knob on the condyle of any long bone.
FunctionCondyle facilitates formulation with another bone.Epicondyle facilitates the attachment of ligaments and tendons to the bone.
SurfaceThe condyle is round and smooth.Epicondyle has a rough surface.
SizeThe condyle is a large structure at the long bones’ ends.Epicondyle is a small structure on the condyle.

Comparison Chart

Both condyle and epicondyle are attachments for muscles and ligaments. Read this article to find out about the differences between condyles and epicondyles.

Comparison Video

Difference Between Condyle and Epicondyle

The Condyle and Epicondyle FAQs

Is the Epicondyle Above the Condyle?

Yes, the epicondyle sits atop the condyle.

Why is it Called Epicondyle?

The word epicondyle means ‘upon the knuckle’. And an epicondyle looks just like a knuckle.

Where and What is an Epicondyle?

Epicondyle is located on the distal end of the long bone facilitating attachment of ligaments and tendons. It is a small knuckle on the top of a condyle of long bones.

Does the Femur have Condyles and Epicondyles?

Yes, considering condyle vs epicondyle femur, the femur has condyles and epicondyles known as the medial and lateral condyles and epicondyles. 

Where is the Condyle?

The condyle is situated at the end of the long bones, especially the joints, to facilitate articulation of one bone to another. 

What is the Difference Between a Tuberosity and a Condyle?

A tuberosity is a wart-like rough outgrowth where a ligament or muscle attaches to the bone. A condyle is a smooth protruding joint-like knob that facilitates the connection between two bones.

What Is An Epicondyle?

It is a place atop the condyle of long bones where muscles connect to the bones. 

What Is Another Name for Epicondyle?

Another name for epicondyle can be lateral epicondyle and medial epicondyle.

What is Medial Condyle?

The medial condyle is a smooth protrusion on the inner side of the lower end of the femur.

What is an Epicondyle and its Example?

It is placed on the long joint bones where tendons and ligaments are connected to the bones. Examples of epicondyle are lateral epicondyle and femoral medial epicondyle.

What is Condyle and its Example?

It is the spherical bony bump at the end of a bone that joins it with the other bone. Examples of condyle are lateral condyle and medial condyle.

Conclusion

Condyle and epicondyle are present in the bone joints and serve different functions. Condyle facilitates the joining of one bone with another while epicondyle facilitates attachment of ligaments and tendons to the bone. Condyle has a smooth surface, unlike epicondyle that has a rough surface. Epicondyle is smaller than the condyle and is present as a bony knob on the condyle of any long bone.

Alex Stantor
Alex Stantor

Alex Stantor is a Sorbonne University (Paris, France) graduate in Philosophy and Data Analysis. Currently, he is an Author and Researcher at Difference 101, he writes articles/blog posts on topics such as "thinking differently" and "the importance of difference". Alex is a passionate advocate of diversity in the workplace and in companies, and diversity and inclusion in corporate communications. He currently lives in Brooklyn.

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