Knee Region Flashcards
Struck to elicit the knee jerk reflex
The reflex is blocked by damage to the femoral nerve or spinal cord segments L2-4
Patellar ligament
Articulation of medial & lateral condyles of femur with the medial & lateral condyles of the tibia
Knee (femorotibial) joint
From medial epicondyle of the femur to the tibial shaft
Abduction of the knee joint
Tearing causes abnormal passive abduction of extended leg
Medial (tibial) collateral ligament
From lateral epicondyle of the femur to the head of fibula
Adduction of the knee joint
Tearing causes abnormal passive adduction of extended leg
Lateral (fibular) collateral ligament
From anterior aspect of the tibia to the lateral condyle of femur
Prevents anterior movement of the tibia in reference to the femur
If torn –> abnormal passive anterior displacement of the tibia (anterior drawer sign)
Stretched by hyperextension injury at the knee joint
Anterior cruciate ligament
From posterior aspect of tibia to medial condyle of the femur
Prevents posterior movement of the tibia
If torn –> abnormal passive posterior displacement of the tibia (posterior drawer sign)
Stretched by hyperextension injury at the knee joint
Posterior cruciate ligament
C-shaped fibrocartilage attached to the medial collateral ligament
Easily torn because not very mobile
Medial meniscus
O-shaped fibrocartilage
Lateral meniscus
Related to the popliteal fossa which contains the tibial nerve, common peroneal nerve, popliteal artery & vein, & small saphenous vein
Knee region
Violent blow on the lateral side of the knee (football clipping) –> causes abduction & lateral leading to tearing of the ff:
- anterior cruciate ligament
- medial collateral ligament (excessive abduction of knee joint)
- medial meniscus
Terrible triad of Donoghue