knee

Question 1

what is the mechanical axis also known as?

Answer 1

weightbearing line

Question 2

what is the machanical axis

Answer 2

a weightbearing line that is drawn from the middle of the calcaneus to the head of the femur

Question 3

where should the weightbearing line pass through?

Answer 3

knee joint center

Question 4

tibiofemoral alignment

what is the normal angulation of femur?

Answer 4

femur is 5° off of vertical = 185°

Question 5

tibiofemoral alignment - knee

what is the genu valgum degree?

Answer 5

> 185°

bigger angle!!

Question 6

tibiofemoral alignment -knee

what is genu varum degree?

Answer 6

≤ 175°

smaller angle

Question 7

knee

what are the functions of the menisci?

Answer 7

• shock absorption (50-70% WB –> redistrubutes back)
• increased congruence of the joint (stability)
• lubricates the joint (reduce friction) –> fluid filled barrier
• provides proprioception

Question 8

knee

what are the zones of vascularization in the meniscus?

Answer 8

red zone: 25% of meniscus
pink zone: 25%-33% of meniscus
white zone: 33%-50% of meniscus

Question 9

knee

what zone of the meniscus takes the most load, and takes the load first?

Answer 9

white zone

Question 10

knee

mensical tears can be?

Answer 10

acute or chronic

Question 11

knee

what makes a meniscal tear acute? chronic?

Answer 11

acute - often a twisting and loading component
chronic - older patietnes

Question 12

knee

what are symptoms of a meniscal tear?

Answer 12

• popping, locking
• giving way
• pain with activites (e.g. stair climbing)
• pain and tenderness with palpation at the joint line
• effusion (swelling) –> intracapsular so local to knee
• difficulties with full extension
• pain with full flexion or limited ROM
• antalgic gait

Question 13

knee

where does the ACL orignate and attach?

Answer 13

originate: posteriomedial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle
attach: tibia on the lateral and anterior aspect of the medial intercondylar tibial spine