Calcar femorale

The calcar femorale is a normal ridge of dense bone that originates from the postero-medial endosteal surface of the proximal femoral shaft, near the lesser trochanter. It is vertical in orientation, and the ridge projects laterally toward the greater trochanter. This ridge of bone provides mechanical support and aids in load distribution within the proximal femur.

It is important not to mistake this normal structure for evidence of stress fracture or other pathology.