Knee structure and movement

Question 1

What two joints make up the knee joint

Answer 1

The tibiofemoral and the patellofemoral

Question 2

What condition causes a very pronounced tibial tuberosity

Answer 2

Osgood schaltters disease

Question 3

Structure of the tibiofemoral menisci

Answer 3

Semilunar fibrocartilaginous structures on the medial and lateral tibial condylar surfaces

Question 4

What are the outer border of the meniscus

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What are the inner edges of the menisci

Answer 5

Thin and concave to accommodate the femoral condyles

Question 6

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

Answer 6

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 7

What is the function of the menisci

Answer 7

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

Question 8

How is the menisci commonly injured?

Answer 8

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 9

Function of the LCL
What type of stress is this?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Function of the MCL

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Functions of the ACL

Answer 11

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 12

Functions of the PCL

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What are the 2 mechanisms that cause ACL sprains

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Patellofemoral joint articulating bones

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Diarthrodial joint subdivision of patellofemoral joint

Answer 15

Nonaxial irregular type synovial joint

Question 16

The patella increases the ________ for the quadraceps to produce _______

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Where do the quadriceps tendons insert into?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Function of the patellofemoral ligament

Answer 18

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