Anatomy Of The Hip And Knee Flashcards
What is the structure and function of the joints of the lower extremity?
Hip joint
- synovial ball and socket
- weight bear, both static and dynamic
Knee joint
- synovial hinge joint
- allow flexion and extension of the leg
Ankle joint
- synovial hinge
- dorsiflex, plantarflex, evert and invert foot
What is the blood supply to the head of the femur and it’s consequences?
The hip joint is largely supplied via the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries
Damage can result in avascular necrosis of the femoral head
What is the anatomical basis for trendelenburgs test?
A positive trendelenburg result is when standing on one leg that the pelvis drops on the side opposite to stance leg.
It is found in weak or paralysed abductors of the hip eg gluteus medius and minimus
What is the structure of the proximal femur and it’s relevance in osteoporosis?
Head (articulates with acetabulum)
Neck (connects to shaft)
Greater trochanter (site of attachment of many muscles)
Lesser trochanter (site of attachment for iliopsoas)
Intertrochanteric line (site of attachment for the iliofemoral ligament)
Intertrochanteric crest (quadratus femoris attaches)
What is the structure and function of the menisici of the knee joint and the bursae?
Menisci
- structure: two pads of fibrocartilaginous tissue
- function to disperse friction
Bursae
- fluid filled sacs and synovial pockets
- enlarge joint space, allow communication with knee joint, reduce friction and facilitate movement
How is the lower limb innervated?
Lumbosacral plexus Anterior thigh: femoral nerve Medial thigh: obturator nerve Posterior thigh: sciatic nerve Butt: gluteal nerves
Anterior leg: deep fibular nerve
Posterior leg: tibial nerve
Lateral leg: superficial fibular nerve
What are the structural differences between a male and female pelvis?
Male | Female *general structure Thick + heavy | thin + light *greater pelvis Deep | shallow *lesser pelvis Narrow + deep | wide + shallow *pelvic inlet Heart shaped | oval + rounded *pelvic outlet Comparatively small | comparatively large *sub pubic angle Narrow | wide *obturator foramen Round | oval *acetabulum Large | small
