Clinical Anatomy of the knee

Question 1

The knee: Hinge joint

Answer 1

Tibiofemoral: The medial and lateral condyles of the femur articulating with the tibia

Patellofemoral: The anterior and distal part of the femur articulating with the patella

Question 2

Menisci

Answer 2

Fibrocartilage structures in the knee

Acts as shock absorbers
Deepen the articular surface of the tibia, to increase stability
Medial meniscus is attached tot he TCL

Question 3

Patellar Ligament (Or paterllar tendon)

Answer 3

Distal continuation of the common quadriceps tendon

Attaches to the tibial tuberosity

Patellar tendonitis: “Jumper’s knee”

Question 4

Collateral ligaments (LCL,MCL)

Answer 4

Two strap-like ligaments that stabilize the hinge motion of the knee preventing lateral movements

Fibular (lateral) collateral ligament: Lateral epicondyle of the femur to the lateral fibular head

Tibial (medial) collateral ligament: Medial epcondyle of the femur to the medial tibia

Question 5

Most common type of knee injury

Answer 5

Collateral ligament stretch or rupture

Mechanism: Force applied to the side of the knee when the foot is planted on the ground

In addition to swelling of the knee and instability, collateral ligament tears typically produce pain upon rotation of the leg at the knee

Question 6

Unhappy/terrible/Horrible triad

Answer 6

Simultaneus tear of the ACL, meniscus,MCL/TCL