Knee Region Flashcards
What type of joint is the tibiofemoral joint?
Biaxial, modified hinge joint
Which aspects of the tibiofemoral joint are concave and which are convex?
The distal end of the femur is convex whereas the proximal end of the tibia is concave
What occurs during the final degrees of knee extension?
Rotation between the femoral condyles and the tibia called crew-home or locking mechanism
When the knee is flexed, what direction does the patella slide?
caudally
When the knee is extended, what direction does the patella slide?
superiorly
What is the primary function of the patella?
To increase the movement arm of the quadriceps muscle in its function to extend the knee
What is the Q-angle in men and women?
Men: 10 degrees
Women: 15 degrees
4 Causes of patellar malaignment and tracking problems
1) Increased Q-angle
2) Tight IT band and TFL (forces patella laterally)
3) Weak VMO
4) Weak hip abductors or ER
What is the Q-line in reference to the patella?
The angle formed by the intersection of a line drawn from the center of the patella to the ASIS and a line drawn from the center of the patella to tibial tubercle
During gait the knee is controlled by what 4 muscles?
- Quadriceps
- Hamstrings
- Soleus
- Gastrocnemius
4 common sources of referred pain to the knee
1) Common peroneal nerve (L2-4)
2) Saphenous nerve (L2-4)
3) L3 refers to anterior aspect
4) S1-S2 refers to posterior aspect
The knee goes through __ degrees of movement during gait
60
How do ACL injuries occur?
A blow to the lateral side of the knee resulting in a valgus force.Can also be noncontact
How do PCL injuries occur?
A forceful blow to the anterior tibia while the kne is flexed
How MCL injuries occur?
From a valgus force across the medial joint line of the knee
