knee

Question 1

Med. and Lat epicondyles of Femur

Answer 1

Lower end of femur. Pass down the medial side of femur to find medial condyle and lateral side for lateral condyle.

Epicondyles are in the centre of the condyles and are prominent

Question 2

adductor tubercle

Answer 2

Above the medial epicondyle is a small prominence of bone (tendinous Adductor Magnus attachment)

Question 3

Tibial Plateau

Answer 3

Superior surface of Tibia. The anterior part can just be palpated with the knee in flexion

Question 4

Tibial Tuberosity

Answer 4

Upper end of anterior border of tibia (Ligamentum Patellae attaches to its upper portion)

Question 5

Head of Fibula

Answer 5

Lies posterolateral to Tibia. Just below the mid-point on the lateral side, it should stand out clearly

Question 6

Med. and Lat. Condyles tibia

Answer 6

2 cm higher than Tibial Tuberosity (subcutaneous as far as hamstring muscles on either side)

Question 7

Trochlear Groove

Answer 7

Patella sits in this groove. In knee flexion or extension (with relaxed quads) push patella to the side and feel femur underneath

Question 8

Gerdy’s Tubercle

Answer 8

Midway between head of fibula and Tibial Tuberosity

Question 9

Mark the patella

and explain its function 2

Answer 9

Triangular in shape, tip facing inferiorly. Anterior, within quads tendon. Should be able to palpate whole circumference, especially medial border and anterior surface.

Thought to increase power of quads by increasing leverage (anatomical pulley).

Protects end of femur i.e. kneeling

Question 10

Describe, palpate and mark the collateral ligaments:

Answer 10

Medial: Strong, flat band, approx 9cm. From medial epicondyle to medial condyle of tibia and shaft.

Lateral: cord, approx. 5cm. From lateral epicondyle to lateral surface of head of fibula - Felt in FABERS

Question 11

Palpate and mark the joint line of the knee

Answer 11

Bisects the Ligamentum Patellae horizontally halfway between the tip of the Patella and the Tibial Tuberosity.

Question 12

Palpate the popliteal fossa and find the popliteal pulse

Answer 12

take the radial pulse at the same time - Contains the major nerves, veins and arteries passing between thigh and leg.

Diamond shaped. Superior boundaries: diverging hamstring tendons. Inferior boundaries: Medial and lateral heads of gastrocnemius.

Pulse can be found on deep palpation of the fossa when knee is slightly flexed (prone)