Knee Joint Flashcards
What type of joint is the knee?
Primarily a hinge synovial joint
What is stability of the knee dependent upon?
Strength and actions of surrounding muscles and their tendons and ligaments connecting the femur and tibia
Which muscle is most important in stabilizing the knee joint?
Quadriceps femoris, particularly inferior fibers of vastus lateralis and medialis
What forms the medial and lateral patellar retinacula?
Aponeurotic expansions of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis
Which ligament splits the tendon of the biceps femoris into two parts?
Fibular collateral ligament (FCL)
What ligaments strengthen the joint capsule of the knee?
Patellar ligament, fibular collateral ligament, tibial collateral ligament, oblique popliteal ligament, and arcuate popliteal ligament
Describe attachment of fibular collateral ligament.
It extends inferiorly from lateral epicondyle of femur to lateral surface of head of fibula
Describe tibial collateral ligament.
It extends from medial epicondyle of femur to medial condyle and superior part of medial surface of tibia
What ligaments join the femur and the tibia?
Cruciate ligaments
What are the two cruciate ligaments?
Anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament
Which of the cruciate ligaments is weaker?
Anterior cruciate ligament
Describe anterior cruciate ligament attachment.
It extends superiorly, posteriorly, and laterally to attach to the posterior part of the medial side of lateral condyle of the femur
What movements does the anterior cruciate ligament prevent?
Posterior displacement of the femur on the tibia and hyperextension of the knee joint
Describe posterior cruciate ligament attachment.
It passes superiorly and anteriorly on the medial side of the ACL to attach to the anterior part of lateral surface of the medial condyle of the femur
What movements does the posterior cruciate ligament prevent?
Anterior displacement of the femur on the tibia or posterior displacement of the tibia on the femur and helps prevent hyperflexion of the knee joint
What is the role of the menisci of the knee joint?
Shock absorber
What is the significance of the transverse ligament of the knee?
Joints the anterior margins of the menisci allowing them to move together during knee movements
What is the shape of the medial menisci?
C shaped and broader posteriorly than anteriorly
What is the shape of the lateral menisci?
Nearly circular and smaller and more freely moveable than medial menisci
What are the main movements of the knee?
Flexion and extension
What joints connect the tibia and fibula?
Superior tibiofibular joint and tibiofibular syndesmosis
What type of joint is the superior tibiofibular joint?
Plane synovial joint
What type of joint is the tibiofibular syndesmosis?
Compound fibrous joint
What direction does the tibia move on the fibula when extending the knee while sitting?
Anteriorly on the fibula
What direction does the femur move on the tibia when extending the knee while standing?
Posteriorly on the tibia
What is the Q-angle?
Between ASIS and patellar ligament
What is an increased Q-angle?
Genu valgum, hip more laterallt
What is a decreased Q-angle?
Genu varum
What is the unhappy triad?
ACL, medial menisci, and tibial collateral ligament
