Knee Flashcards
What is the Popliteal Fossa?
The popliteal fossa is a shallow, diamond-shaped depression located at the back of the knee joint. AKA the “knee pit.”
- Popliteal Artery and Vein
- Tibial and Common Fibular (Peroneal) Nerves:
The Common Fibular nerve only supplies one muscle, what is it?
the short head of the biceps femoris
the long head is innervated by the tibial divison
how do the the fibula, tibia and femur interact?
lateral condyle of femur sits on the lateral condyle of the tibia
medial condyle of femur sits on the medial condyle of the tibia
fibula only interacts with tibia not femur
Ligaments of the knee joint:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Posterior Cruciate Ligament
Lateral Meniscus
Medial Meniscus
Fibular Collateral Ligament (Fibular)
Tibial Collateral Ligament (Medial)
Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Location: Inside the knee joint, crossing diagonally from the anterior aspect of the tibia to the posterior aspect of the femur.
(medial to lateral)
Function: Prevents the tibia from moving too far forward and provides stability to the knee joint, especially during activities like pivoting and sudden stops.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament
Location: Inside the knee joint, crossing diagonally from the posterior aspect of the tibia to the anterior aspect of the femur.
(Lateral to Medial)
Function: Prevents the tibia from moving too far backward and contributes to the stability of the knee joint.
Lateral Meniscus (more mobile)
Location: Located on the outer side (lateral aspect) of the knee joint between the lateral condyle of the femur and the lateral condyle of the tibia.
Shape: O-shaped
Function: Similar to the medial meniscus, the lateral meniscus contributes to load distribution, stability, and shock absorption. Its greater mobility allows it to adapt to changes in joint shape during movements.
Medial Meniscus (less mobile)
Location: Situated on the inner side (medial aspect) of the knee joint between the medial condyle of the femur and the medial condyle of the tibia.
Shape: C-shaped or semicircular.
Function: The medial meniscus helps absorb shock, distribute loads, and provide stability to the knee joint. It also contributes to joint lubrication and congruence.
Fibular Collateral Ligament (Fibular)
Location: Along the outer side of the knee, connecting the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the head of the fibula.
Function: Provides stability to the outer side of the knee and resists forces that push the knee outward.
Tibial Collateral Ligament (Medial)
Location: Along the inner side of the knee, connecting the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial condyle and upper part of the tibia.
Function: Provides stability to the inner side of the knee and resists forces that push the knee inward.
How do internal and external rotation cause the collateral and cruciate ligaments to behave?
When a structure is taut, it is pulled or stretched
“Lax” is the opposite of taut and refers to a state of being loose, relaxed, or not under tension.
What is the Patellar Ligament?
The patellar ligament connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shinbone).
It is a continuation of the quadriceps tendon, which is formed by the convergence of the four quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh.
What is the Iliotibial Tract?
The iliotibial tract (IT band) is a fibrous band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh. It is an extension of the tensor fasciae latae muscle and the fascia lata, a broad sheet of connective tissue covering the muscles of the thigh. The iliotibial tract plays a significant role in the stability and movement of the knee joint.
What is the Screw-Home Motion?
The screw-home motion is a biomechanical phenomenon in the knee joint where, during the final phase of straightening, the tibia externally rotates while the femur internally rotates. This rotation enhances knee joint stability and plays a role in locking and unlocking the knee during weight-bearing activities.
Q- Angle
The Q-angle, or quadriceps angle, is the angle formed by the intersection of two lines: one drawn from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the center of the patella (kneecap) and another from the tibial tuberosity (a bony prominence on the shinbone) to the center of the patella. It is used to assess the alignment of the quadriceps muscles and the patella relative to the thigh and lower leg
Genu Varum
Genu varum, also known as bowlegs, is a condition in which the knees are abnormally positioned outward when a person is standing with their feet together.
Q- Angle is Decreased
Genu Valgum
Genu valgum, commonly known as knock-knees, is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch each other when the legs are straightened. In individuals with genu valgum, there is a visible gap between the ankles while the knees are together.
Q- Angle in Increased
