Knee Joint Flashcards
What type of joint is the knee?
Modified hinge joint
How many articulations are present at the knee?
3
- Femoropatellar
- 2x Femorotibial
Does the fibula articulate at the knee joint?
No
Where does the joint capsule attach anteriorly?
- Quadriceps tendon
- Patella
- Ligamentum patellae
Where does the joint capsule attach posteriorly?
- Encloses intercondylar fossa of femur
- Open posterior to lateral condyle of tibia for popliteus muscle
What do the medial and lateral alar folds cover?
Inner surface of fat pads on either side of patellar ligament
Name the bursae around the knee joint.
What extracapsular ligaments are present at the knee
- Oblique ligament
- Arcuate ligament
- Medial and Lateral collateral ligaments
What intracapsular ligaments are present at the knee?
- Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments
What are these ligaments?
Red - Oblique popliteal ligament
Blue - Arcuate ligament
What is the oblique popliteal ligament?
Expansion of semimembranosus tendon
What is the function of the oblique popliteal ligament?
Reinforces posterior capsule
What is the arcuate ligament?
Thickening of capsule over popliteus
What is the function of the arcuate ligament?
Strengthens posterolateral joint capsule
What is this ligament?
Medial (tibial) collateral ligament
What is the medial collateral ligament?
Strong, flat thickening of capsule
Where does the medial collateral ligament attach?
Medial epicondyle of femur –> Medial condyle and superior medial surface of tibia
- Deep fibres attach to medial meniscus
What is this ligament?
Lateral (fibular) collateral ligament
Describe the lateral collateral ligament
Strong and cordlike
Where does the lateral collateral ligament attach?
Lateral epicondyle of femur –> Lateral head of fibula
Where does the anterior cruciate ligament attach?
Anterior intercondylar area of tibia –> medial side of lateral condyle of femur
What is the function of the anteromedial band of the ACL?
Limits flexion
What is the function of the posterolateral band of the ACL?
Limits extension
What is this ligament?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
What is the attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament?
Posterior intercondylar area of tibia –> Lateral side of medial condyle of femur
What is the function of the anterolateral band of the PCL?
Limits flexion
What is the function of the posteromedial band of the PCL?
Limits extension
What is this ligament?
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
What are the menisci?
Wedges of fibrocartilage
What is the function of the menisci?
Shock absorption
Describe the medial meniscus.
- C shaped
- Broad posteriorly
- Firmly attached to TCL
Describe the lateral meniscus
- Circular
- Freely moveable
- Attachment for popliteus
