Functional anatomy of the knee Flashcards
Describe the knee joint
- Hinge-type
- Synovial joint
- Allows flexion and extension
- Small degree of medial and lateral rotation
- Articulation between femur, tibia and patella
- Lined with hyaline cartilage
- Unstable
What are the 2 articulations in the knee joint?
- Tibiofemoral (weight bearing)
- Patellofemoral
Where does the blood supply to the knee joint come from?
Genicular anastomoses
-from genicular branches of femoral and popliteal arteries
Which nerves supply the knee joint
- Femoral, tibial and common peronal/fibular nerves
- From Hilton’s law (muscles that cross the joint)
What are the medial and lateral menisci and what are their functions?
- Fibrocartilaginous structures
- Crescentic shape
- Deepen articular surface of the tibia
- Act as shock absorbers (by increase SA = dissipate forces)
Where do medial and lateral intercondylar menisci attach?
- Both ends to the intercondylar area of the tibia
- Medial menisci is also attached peripherally to medial collateral ligament and joint capsule (lateral menisci isnt)
How are the medial and lateral menisci connected together?
Transverse ligament of the knee
What are the divisions of the ligaments of the knee joints?
- Intracapsular
- Extracapsular
- Ligaments that strengthen the capsule
What are the intracapsular ligaments?
Anterior cruciate ligament and Posterior cruciate ligament
-connect femur and tibia
Describe where ACL attaches
PAMs APpLes
Proximally = Posterolateral aspect of femoral intercondylar fossa (medial side of lateral femoral condyle)
crosses anteromedially
Distally = Anterior aspect of intercondylar eminence of tibia
Describe where PCL attaches
PAMs APpLes
Proximally = Medial border and roof of intercondylar fossa (lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle)
crosses poetriolaterally
Distally = Posterior aspect of intercondylar eminence tibia
What are the ligaments that strengthen the capsule?
- Oblique popliteal ligament (continuation of semimembranosus tendon) = strengthen posterior
- Patellar ligament
What are the extracapsular ligaments of the knee?
Medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament
Where does the medial collateral ligament attach proximally and distally and what angulation does it resist?
Proximally = Medial epicondyle of femur
Distally = Medial condyle of tibia
-also attached to medial menisci
-resists valgus angulation (lateral)
Where does the lateral collateral ligament attach proximally and distally and what angulation does it resist?
Proximally = Lateral epicondyle of femur
Distally = Fibular head
-resists varus angulation (medial)
