06a: Knee and Popliteal Fossa

Question 1

List the key joints at the knee.

Answer 1

1. Patellofemoral

2. Tibiofemoral

Question 2

T/F: The fibula doesn’t articulate with the femur.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Patellofemoral pain/syndrome is commonly caused by:

Answer 3

Abnormal tracking of patella relative to patellar surface of femur

Question 4

The load of the patella (is/isn’t) constant. Explain.

Answer 4

Isn’t; differs according to activity

Question 5

In tibiofemoral joint, which part of (X) articulates with which part of (Y)?

Answer 5

X = femur
Y = tibia

Medial/lateral femoral condyles articulate with medial/lateral tibial condyles

Question 6

Tibiofemoral joint is what type of joint? List actions at the joint.

Answer 6

Modified hinge; F/E and some rotation

Question 7

Articular surface of (X) (tibial/femoral) condyle is longer than (Y).

Answer 7

X = medial

Both tibial and femoral

Y = lateral condyle

Question 8

T/F: The tibial condyles and intercondylar region are covered in hyaline cartilage.

Answer 8

False - not the intercondylar region

Question 9

Passive rotation of tibiofemoral joint occurs during the (initial/final) (X) degrees of knee (flexion/extention).

Answer 9

Final;
X = 20-30

Extension

Question 10

When is “locking”, aka (X), of the knee most evident?

Answer 10

X = passive rotation

During final 5 degrees of knee extension

Question 11

With the foot fixed, passive rotation occurs via (medial/lateral) rotation of (X).

Answer 11

Medial;

X = femur

Question 12

With the femur fixed, passive rotation occurs via (medial/lateral) rotation of (X).

Answer 12

Lateral;

X = tibia

Question 13

(X) muscle assists in knee (flexion/extension) by “unlocking” knee.

Answer 13

X = popliteus

Flexion

Question 14

Unlocking the knee via (X) muscle is done by (medial/lateral) rotation of (Y).

Answer 14

X = popliteus

1. Medial rotation of tibia
2. Lateral rotation of femur

Question 15

Genu valgum is defined as (X) and results from (Y).

Answer 15

X = lateral angulation of leg in relation to thigh

Y = excessive loading of lateral tibiofemoral structures

Question 16

Genu varum is defined as (X) and results from (Y).

Answer 16

X = medial angulation of leg in relation to thigh

Y = excessive loading of medial tibiofemoral structures

Question 17

The menisci are (X)-shaped (Y) that function to:

Answer 17

X = crescent
Y = fibrocartilagenous discs

1. Deepen tibial articular surface
2. Increase jt congruency/stability
3. Shock absorption

Question 18

Outer margins of menisci attach to (femur/tibia) by (X).

Answer 18

Tibia;

X = coronary ligaments

Question 19

Inner margins of menisci attach to (femur/tibia) by (X).

Answer 19

No attachment…

Question 20

T/F: The menisci are avascular and have limited healing potential.

Answer 20

False - the outer margin is vascularized, but statement is true for inner margin of menisci

Question 21

LCL, aka (X), of knee attaches to:

Answer 21

X = lateral collateral ligament

Lateral epicondyle of femur and fibular head

Question 22

MCL, aka (X), of knee attaches to:

Answer 22

X = medial collateral ligament

Medial epicondyle of femur; medial tibial condyle and medial surface of tibia

Question 23

(LCL/MCL) blends with joint capsule.

Answer 23

MCL

Question 24

(LCL/MCL) attaches to (X) meniscus.

Answer 24

MCL;

X = medial

Question 25

Knee joint: Varus stress is resisted primarily by which ligament?

Answer 25

LCL

Question 26

Knee joint: Valgus stress is resisted primarily by which ligament?

Answer 26

MCL

Question 27

Knee joint: the (X) cruciate ligaments are named for their (origin/attachment) on (Y).

Answer 27

X = anterior and posterior

Attachment;
Y = tibia

Question 28

(ACL/PCL) is located (inside/outside) fibrous capsule and (inside/outside) synovial cavity.

Answer 28

Both ACL and PCL;

Inside; outside

Question 29

Critical role of knee joint menisci is:

Answer 29

Shock absorption

Question 30

Critical role of knee joint cruciate ligaments is:

Answer 30

Stabilization of joint

Question 31

ACL attaches to (X) and (Y).

Answer 31

X = anterior tibia
Y = posteromedial surface of lateral femoral condyle

Question 32

Which action(s) is/are prevented by the ACL?

Answer 32

1. Anterior displacement of tibia

2. Posterior displacement of femur

Question 33

PCL attaches to (X) and (Y).

Answer 33

X = Posterior tibia
Y = anterolateral surface of medial femoral condyle

Question 34

Which action(s) is/are prevented by the PCL?

Answer 34

1. Posterior displacement of tibia

2. Anterior displacement of femur

Question 35

(ACL/PCL) provides rotational stability.

Answer 35

Both

Question 36

(ACL/PCL) is stronger.

Answer 36

PCL

Question 37

“Anterior Draw Test”, to test (X) integrity, is done by:

Answer 37

X = ACL

Pulling tibia forward

Question 38

The “unhappy/terrible triad”

Answer 38

1. Medial meniscus
2. MCL
3. ACL

Question 39

Superior border(s) of popliteal fossa.

Answer 39

Lateral: Biceps femoris
Medial: Semitendinosus and semimembranosus

Question 40

Inferior border(s) of popliteal fossa.

Answer 40

Medial and lateral heads of gastrocnemius

Question 41

Contents of popliteal fossa:

Answer 41

1. Tibial nerve
2. Common peroneal nerve
3. Popliteal a and v (with branches/tributaries)
4. Posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh
5. Lymph nodes and fat

Question 42

List branches off popliteal artery that contribute to genicular anastamosis.

Answer 42

1. Superior medial and lateral genicular
2. Inferior medial and lateral genicular
3. Middle genicular

Question 43

Most branches contributing to genicular anastamosis come from (X). List the remaining contributors.

Answer 43

X = popliteal artery

1. Descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral
2. Descending genicular artery
3. Anterior tibial recurrent

Question 44

The descending genicular artery is a branch off (X) at which landmark?

Answer 44

X = femoral artery

Just before passing through adductor hiatus