Joints of the knee and ankle Flashcards
What type of joint is the knee joint?
Modified synovial hinge joint
What is the articulation of the knee joint?
Medial and lateral condyles of the femur and tibia
Medial collateral ligament
-Blends in with the capsule
-Attaches to the medial condyle of the femur and tibia
-Stabilizes the knee from side to side
Lateral collateral ligament
-Outside of capsule
-Attaches to the lateral condyle of the femur and tibia
-Stabilizes the knee side to side
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
-Attaches to the anterior region of the intercondylar area of the tibia
-Attaches to the posterior part of the medial side of the lateral condyle of the femur
-Prevents hyperextension and limits rotation of the knee joint
-Backwards/forwards stability
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
-Attaches to the posterior region of the intercondylar area of the tibia
-Attaches to lateral side of medial condyle of femur
-Prevents hyperextension
-Stabilizes the knee when it is flexed and weight-bearing
-Backward/forward stability
Patellar ligament
-Attaches at apex of the patella and tibial tuberosity
-Medial and lateral retinacula extend from vastus medialis and lateralis to patellar ligament
-Maintains alignment of patella
Oblique popliteal ligament
-Attaches from posterior to medial condyle of tibia to lateral condyle of femur
-Reinforces the posterior aspect of the capsule
-Prevents hyperextension
Acurate ligament
-Attaches from posterior aspect of fibular head, passes superomodially over popliteus tendon to blend in with capsule posterolaterally
-Closes off capsule
What happens when the knee joint fully extends (locks)?
Tibia and femoral condyles medially rotate at the very end of extension
What happens when the knee joint is unlocked?
The popliteus contracts to rotate the femur laterally
