Epiphyseal triangle (femur)

Last revised by Travis Fahrenhorst-Jones on 22 Jul 2022

Epiphyseal triangle, also known as Ludloff space (or Ludloff fleck in German), of the femur is a prominent triangular area of radiolucency on lateral radiographs which may be mistaken for pathology but is a radiological variant. 

The epiphyseal triangle when seen is most prominent in older children and adults.

History and etymology

A German orthopedic surgeon, Karl Ludloff (1864-1945) first described this region in a paper in 1930 3.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.