Knee structure and movement

Question 1

What two joints make up the knee joint

Answer 1

The tibiofemoral and the patellofemoral

Question 2

Where is the adductor tubercle

Answer 2

It is proximal to the medial femoral epicondyle, and its a small bump.

Question 3

What is the popliteal surface

Answer 3

The smooth triangular area on the distal posterior femur

Question 4

Intercondylar notch

Answer 4

The deep notch between the lateral and medial femoral condyle
It is the area which the ACL and PCL travel

Question 5

What condition causes a very pronounced tibial tuberosity

Answer 5

Osgood schaltters disease

Question 6

Where is gerdy’s tubercle located

Answer 6

A small bump on the lateral tibial condyle

Question 7

How is force translated to the fibula?

Answer 7

Via the interosseus membrane that connects the tibia and fibula

Question 8

Articulating bones of the tibiofemoral joint

Answer 8

Lateral and medial tibial condyles
Lateral and medial femoral condyles

Question 9

Diarthrodial joint subdivision of the tibiofemoral joint

Answer 9

Biaxial modified hinge joint

Question 10

Structure of the tibiofemoral menisci

Answer 10

Semilunar fibrocartilaginous structures on the medial and lateral tibial condylar surfaces

Question 11

What are the outer border of the meniscus

Answer 11

Thick and convex and attached to the outer edges of the menisci via coronary ligaments

Question 12

What are the inner edges of the menisci

Answer 12

Thin and concave to accommodate the femoral condyles

Question 13

How are the lateral and medial meniscus differently shaped, and which one is more commonly injured

Answer 13

Lateral are nearly circular, more mobile than the medial meniscus, and may be a reason that its less commonly injured
The medial meniscus is C-shaped

Question 14

What is the function of the menisci

Answer 14

Widen and deepen the tibial condylar surfaces to improve joint congruency
Shock absorption
Increase load distribution

Question 15

How is the menisci commonly injured?

Answer 15

Commonly injured in sports that involve turning on a loaded limb
Often injured with collateral ligament sprain and ACL sprain
Medial more commonly injured

Question 16

Function of the LCL
What type of stress is this?

Answer 16

Limits excessive adduction of the tibia on the femur (varus stress)

Question 17

Function of the MCL

Answer 17

Limits excessive abduction of the tibia on the femur (valgus stress)

Question 18

Functions of the ACL

Answer 18

Limits excessive anterior translation of the tibia on the femur
Also limits excessive internal rotation of the tibia on the femur
Also limits excessive extension of the knee

Question 19

Functions of the PCL

Answer 19

Limits excessive posterior translation of the tibia on the femur
Limits excessive extension of the knee joint

Question 20

What are the 2 mechanisms that cause ACL sprains

Answer 20

Contact - direct blow to the posterior knee
Non contact - rapid deceleration with the knee near full extension with internal rotation and valgus load

Question 21

Patellofemoral joint articulating bones

Answer 21

Lateral and medial facets of the patella
Lateral and medial femoral condyles and trochlear groove of the femur

Question 22

Diarthrodial joint subdivision of patellofemoral joint

Answer 22

Nonaxial irregular type synovial joint

Question 23

The patella increases the ________ for the quadraceps to produce _______

Answer 23

The patella increases the effort moment arm for the quadriceps to
produce knee extension torque

Question 24

Where do the quadriceps tendons insert into?

Answer 24

They insert into the base and lateral and medial borders of the patella

Question 25

Function of the patellofemoral ligament

Answer 25

Maintain the patella in the trochlear groove and prevent lateral subluxation
(partial dislocation) of the patella