Knee Flashcards
Largest joint in the body
Tibiofemoral joint
How many degrees of freedom
2
Medial meniscus
Small part of a large circle and is thicker posteriorly and anteriorly
Lateral meniscus
Larger part of a small circle, and is generally of equal thickness throughout
A meniscectomy can reduce shock absorption capacity at the knee by
20%
The lateral meniscus is not
As firmly attached to the tibia as the medial meniscus, and therefore is less prone to injury
The patella improves the efficiency of extension during the last
30• of extension because it holds the quadriceps tendon away from the axis of movement
Patellofemoral joint
Modified plane joint, the lateral articular surface of patella being wider
Superior tibiofibular joint
Plane synovial joint between the tibia and the head of the fibula. Movement occurs in this joint with any activity involving ankle.
Patellar loading walking
0.3 times the body weight
Patellar loading climbing stairs
2.5 times the body weight
Patellar loading descending stairs
3.5 times the body weight
Squatting
7 times the body weight
Locking in the knee
Means that the knee cannot fully extend with flexion, often being normal, and it is related to meniscus pathology
Spasm locking
Hamstring muscle spasm limits extension
Genu valgum
Knees, touch, and the ankles do not
Genu varum
Two or more fingers fit between the knees when the ankles are together
Genu recurvatum
Hyper extended knee
Meniscal cysts are best palpated at
45•
The joint line is best palpated at
90•
Least to most load on the knee
Walking
Ascending and descending stairs
Squatting
Squatting then bouncing at the end
Running straight ahead
Running straight ahead and stopping on command
Vertical jump
Running and twisting
Jumping and going into a full squat
Hard cuts, twists, pivots
Women are more likely to have hyper extended knees then men
True
Medial and lateral rotation is not tested
Yes this is a precaution to avoid injury to the knee complex
