Knee Flashcards
What type of joint is the knee joint?
A modified hinge joint- it is capable of rotational movements as well as flexion and extension
What type of bone is the patella?
A sesamoid bone- it is embedded in soft tissue (the quadriceps and patella tendons)
What makes up the extensor mechanism of the knee?
The quadriceps muscles, quadriceps tendon, patella, patellar tendon and the tibial tuberosity
What muscles make up the quadriceps?
Vastus medialis (oblicus)- the muscle used to determine the presence of muscle wasting Vastus intermedius (beneath rectus femoris) Rectus femoris Vastus lateralis
What are the ligaments of the knee?
Cruciates: posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments
Collaterals: Lateral and medial collateral ligaments
Name the menisci in the knee
Lateral meniscus and medial meniscus
What are the compartments of the knee?
- Medial- this is the most weight bearing
- Lateral
- Patellofemoral- can be visualised on a skyline view (x-ray)
What muscle groups make up the popliteal fossa?
The hamstrings (biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus)
The two heads of gastrocnemius
What blood vessels are within the popliteal fossa?
The popliteal artery and vein
What nerves run in the popliteal fossa?
The tibial nerve which gives off the common peroneal nerve
What 6 questions must you ask in a knee history?
- Pain
- Locking?
- Swelling? (acute and chronic)
- Giving way?
- Mechanism of injury? (if acute problem)
- Previous injuries to knee?
What would immediate swelling following knee injury suggest?
Formation of a haemarthrosis, as occurs with a fracture or torn cruciates (especially ACL)
What would delayed (overnight) swelling following a knee injury suggest?
An effusion- likely a meniscal or other ligament injury
What would pain or tenderness along the knee joint line suggest?
A meniscal problem
What would pain or swelling along the medial/lateral margins of the knee suggest?
A collateral ligament problem
What does knee locking suggest?
Mechanical obstruction- suggestive of a meniscal tear
What does a history of the knee giving way suggest?
Instability following a ligament problem (especially ACL)
When is an MRI of the knee used?
If suspicious of a soft tissue injury- meniscal or cruciate ligament
