Lecture 19: Knee joint Flashcards
what are the 2 articulations in the knee joint?
- between the femur and the tibia
- between the femur and the
patella (Patellofemoral joint). - The articular cavity of the knee
joint includes both the
patellofemoral joint and
the tibiofemoral joint. (share the cavity and synovial fluid)
what is the role of the meniscus?
The menisci increase stability for femorotibial articulation, distribute axial load, absorb shock, and provide lubrication and nutrition to the knee joint.
+increase SA for articulation between femur and tibia
what is the role of the patella( sesamoid bone )?
protects quad tendon
what is a sesamoid bone?
A sesamoid bone is a small bone that is commonly found embedded within a muscle or tendon near joint surfaces, existing as focal areas of ossification and functioning as a pulley to alleviate stress on that particular muscle or tendon
patella anatomy
- Patella has an upper and lower
pole - Patella is a sesamoid bone
It sits in the tendon of the
quadriceps muscles - Attaches to tibial tuberosity of
tibia - Protects the quadreceps
tendon
normal alignment
*Weight of body is transmitted to centre of
hip joints
*Then down leg
*If leg is aligned well weight is transmitted
through the knee joint and ankle joint
= “Normal alignment” of lower limb
Minimises wear on joints and energy
required to stand or walk
varus alignment
-normal in babies and older ppl (legs further apart to increase stability)
-knee joint is directed laterally
-apex of joint point out
valgus alignment
-common in young girls-> grow out of it
-if not fixed-> puts pressure on the lateral aspects+ and tension on the medial ligaments-> stretched and weakened
-apex point in
5 ligaments of the knee
-patellar lig/tendon
-the medial and lateral collateral ligs
-anterior and posterior cruciate lig
patellar lig/tendon
- The Patellar ligament is the continuation of
the quadriceps mechanism (making the patella a
sesamoid bone). - It is attached to the inferior margins of the
patella (superiorly) and the tibial tuberosity
(inferiorly). - Clinically call it patella tendon as patella
ligament is really continuation of quadriceps
tendon
The Medial and Lateral Collateral ligaments
- The Medial and Lateral Collateral
ligaments (MCL and LCL) attach at the sides
of the knee. - The MCL runs from the medial femoral
epicondyle to the medial tibia (posterior to the
attachment of the Pes Anserinus). - It is a broad ligament that blends with the
underlying joint capsule. - The LCL runs from the lateral femoral
epicondyle to the fibula head. - It is a cord-like ligament that is discrete from
the joint capsule. - Function – prevent knee going valgus or
varus
lateral collateral lig