Anatomy of the knee Flashcards
What kind of joint is the knee?
What bones form its articulation?
- Synovial bicondylar hinge jont
(articulation between distal femur and proximal tibia)
+ articulation between femur and patella (fibrous joint capsule formed by a network of tendons and ligaments)
What are the functions of the knee
- weight bearing
- mobility (extension/flexion, some rotation when flexed)
**Incompatible functions –> frequent injury
State the bony and soft tissue factors which improve the stability and strength of the knee
BONY FACTORS
- Bony expansions, locking mechanism, femoral angle
SOFT TISSUE FACTORS
- ligaments, menisci, muscles
Name the bony expansions involved in the knee joint
FEMUR
- Epicondyles, condyles, intercondylar fossa (posterior)
TIBIA
- condyles (tibial plateau)
What is the first function of the locking mechanism?
How is it facilitated?
- Reduces amount of energy required when extended
- Facilitated by the shape of the femur. In flexion, femoral surfaces round, in extension, femoral surfaces flat
The locking mechanism also facilitates rotation and acts as centre of gravity. How so?
- Medial rotation of femur on tibia in extension tightens ligaments of the knee
- Places centre of gravity in front of knee which maintains extension
What is the femoral angle? When does it occur?
Adducted femur brings knee joint under pelvis which is critical for weight bearing
- Normal alignment of joint (mechanical axis): vertical line through centre of femoral head, centre of knee, centre of ankle
- As opposed to anatomical axis which forms a Q angle (approx 15 degrees)
Occurs during development
What is varus deformity (Genu varum)?
Effect on Q angle?
Who is commonly affected?
Consequence?
- Deformity in the angle between femur and tibia
- Medial displacement of tibia
- Pushes knees apart (bow legged)
- Decrease in Q angle
- Common in children<2, rickets
Increased stress at medial condyle –> joint degeneration
What is valgus deformity (Genu valgum)?
Effect on Q angle?
Who is commonly affected?
Consequence?
- Deformity in the angle between femur and tibia
- Lateral displacement of tibia
- Pushes knees together (knock kneed)
- Increase in Q angle
- Common in children aged 2-4, rickets, arthritis
Increased stress at lateral condyle –> joint degeneration
What is the function of the ligaments of the knee?
State the names of the extracapsular and intracapsular ligaments
Provide stability
Extracapsular:
- medial and lateral collateral
Intracapsular:
- anterior and posterior cruciate
Describe the lateral collateral ligament
Shape
Function
Between which bony features?
Pathology
- Strong round cord
- Prevents medial displacement of tibia
- From lateral epicondyle to fibular head. Space underneath
- Tear of LCL = varus deformity, less common
Describe the medial collateral ligament
Shape
Function
Between which bony features?
Pathology
- Broad flat ligament
- Prevents lateral displacement of tibia and reinforces joint capsule (via attachment to medial meniscus)
- Medial epicondyle and tibia
- Tear of MCL= valgus deformity
Where do the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments lie?
- In intercondylar fossa of femur and intercondylar area of tibia
- Anterior: anterior relative to tibia
- posterior: relative to tibia
What is the function of the cruciate ligaments?
ACL- prevents anterior displacement of tibia on femur
PCL- prevents posterior displacement of tibia on femur
Together they maintain femur against tibia, always one ligament tense
Describe the trajectory of the cruciate ligaments
ACL- passes up, backwards and laterally
PCL- passes up, forwards and medially