Arthrology of the knee Flashcards
What are the features of the knee capsule?
- Incomplete anteriorly, reinforced by the patellar ligament and quadriceps tendon
- Complete posteriorly, reinforced by the OPL, and popliteus muscle
- Completed medially and laterally by MCL (extracapsular), medial meniscus, LCL (extracapsular), and iliotibial band
What are the attachment points of the MCL?
Medial epicondyle of femur to medial condyle of tibia and medial meniscus
Function of MCL?
Resists valgus forces on the knee
What are the attachment points of the LCL?
Lateral epicondyle of femur to head of fibula
Function of LCL?
Resists varus forces on the knee
What are the attachment points of the ACL?
Anterior tibial spine to the medial aspect of the lateral condyle of femur
Function of the ACL?
Prevents anterior displacement of the tibia on the femur and limits hyperextension
What are the attachment points of the PCL?
Posterior intercondylar area of the tibia to the lateral aspect of the medial condyle of femur
Function of the PCL?
Prevents posterior displacement of the tibia on the femur, and limits hyperflexion
Describe the shape and location of the medial meniscus
- Intra-articular, fibrocartilaginous, triangular in cross section
- More C shaped relative to the lateral meniscus
- Located on the medial tibial plateau
- Attached to the joint capsule and the MCL
- Less mobile
Describe the shape and location of the lateral meniscus
- Intra-articular, fibrocartilaginous, triangular in cross section
- More O shaped (more circular)
- Located on the lateral tibial plateau
- Loosely attached to the joint capsule
- More mobile
What is the function of the menisci?
- Improves joint congruency
- Shock absorption
- Distributes synovial fluid around the knee
- Contains mechanoreceptors to provide information on the location of the knee
What are the attachment points of the transverse ligament?
Between the anterior horns of the medial and lateral meniscus
Function of the transverse ligament?
- Prevents excessive anterior movement of the menisci, especially in extension
- Supports the menisci in distributing load by keeping the anterior horns connected
