knee Flashcards
Movement between 2 objects can be categorized into which 3 groups? Which 2 are seen in the knee joint?
Slide/glide: single point on one surface contacts multiple points on another
Roll/rock: multiple points on one surface contact multiple points on another
Spin: single point on one surface rotates on a single point on another
At knee: slide and roll
What are the 3 degrees of freedom at the knee joint?
Abduction/adduction
Flexion/extension
Internal/external rotation
True or false: the knee is a hinge joint
False - there are no hinge joints in the body. The axis of rotation changes as the joint moves
Which 2 joints are contained within the knee complex?
Tibiofemoral
Patellofemoral
The differences in shape and orientation of the femoral condyles are important for what mechanism?
Screw home
Which is larger: the articulating surface of the medial or lateral condyle?
Medial (50% larger)
The articular cartilage is thicker on the (femur/tibia)
Tibia (x3)
What structure greatly enhances the articular congruence of between the spherical femoral condyles and the flat tibial plateaus?
Menisci
Which meniscus is C shaped? Which is more circular?
C: medial
Circular: lateral
Name the 5 structures attached to the medial meniscus
ACL MCL Semimembranosus tendon Coronary lig Transverse lig
Name the 4 structures attached to the lateral meniscus
Popliteal tendon PCL Transverse lig Coronary lig NOT LCL (outside jt capsule)
What is the normal tibiofemoral angle?
185-190deg
How do you measure the mechanical axis of the lower limb? Why is this useful? What is a normal measurement?
From centre of head of femur to centre of talus
Shows weight distribution over knee (should pass through centre of knee)
Normal: 3deg from vertical
What is the threshold measurement for genu valgum? For genu varum?
Valgum: >195deg
Varum: <180deg
What changes are typically seen in the knee and foot joints in individuals with coxa vara?
Genu valgum
Supination of subtalar joint and transverse tarsal joint
In which direction is the knee most unstable? What limits this motion?
Flexion
Joint capsule + associated ligaments
In which knee position is the MCL most important in resisting valgus stress: flexion or extension?
Flexion (because other structures are lax in this position)
Other than resisting valgus stress, what other 2 jobs does the MCL have in limiting knee motion?
Limits lateral rotation of tibia
Limits anterior displacement of tibia (espec when ACL absent/ruptured)
Other than resisting varus stress, what other 2 jobs does the LCL have in limiting knee motion?
Limits lateral rotation of tibia (espec at 35deg of flexion)
Limits posterior displacement of tibia
True or false: the IT band is taut in knee extension and slack in knee flexion
False - consistently taut regardless of hip and knee position