Knee Joint Flashcards
Which three bones are involved in the knee joint?
Femur, tibia and patella
What are the three articulations of the knee joint called?
Medial femerotibial, lateral femerotibial and femeropatellar
What movements are possible at the knee?
Flexion/extension
Slight lateral/medial rotation when knee is flexed
How does the knee ‘lock’?
As knee approaches full extension femur medially rotates - stable position
What are the menisci?
C-shaped wedges of fibrocartilage
What are the functions of the menisci?
Deepen tibial plateau - increase congruity of joint
Distribute weight evenly
Shock absorption
Assist in knee locking
Which menisci attaches to which ligament of the knee?
Medial meniscus attaches to tibial/medial collateral ligament
What are the intra-articular ligaments of the knee called?
Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments
What are the attachments of the posterior cruciate ligament?
Posterior intercondylar region of tibia to medial femoral condyle
What are the functions of the posterior cruciate ligament?
Prevents posterior displacement of tibia and hyperflexion
What are the attachments of the anterior cruciate ligament?
Anterior intercondylar region of tibia to lateral femoral condyle
What are the functions of the anterior cruciate ligament?
Prevents anterior displacement of tibia and hyperextension
Which cruciate ligament is weaker?
Anterior cruciate ligament
What are the extra-articular ligaments of the knee called?
Tibial/medial and fibular/lateral collateral ligaments
What is the function of the tibial collateral ligament?
Prevents abduction of knee and rotation of the knee during extension
