Ligaments of the knee joint (Dave's notes)

Question 1

What type of ligaments are associated with the knee joint?

Answer 1

Extracapsular ligaments and intra articular ligaments

Question 2

List the extracapsular ligaments of the knee

Answer 2

Patellar retinaculum
Tibial (medial) collateral ligaments - superficial and deep
Fibular (lateral) collateral ligaments
Oblique popliteal ligament

Question 3

List the intra-articular ligaments of the knee

Answer 3

Cruciate ligaments - anterior and posterior
Medial meniscus
Lateral meniscus
Transverse ligament

Question 4

What are the attachments of the patellar retinaculum?

Answer 4

From the patella to the lower tibial condyles as fibrous expansions of the quadriceps tendon. These are not attached to the femur.

Question 5

What are the attachments of the superficial part of the tibial collateral ligament?

Answer 5

From femur epicondyle to the subcutaneous surface of the tibia (12cm)

Question 6

What are the attachments of the deep part of the tibial collateral ligament?

Answer 6

Attached to the femur and tibia just out from the articular margins - continues A/P with the capsule

Question 7

What are the attachments of the fibular collateral ligament?

Answer 7

From lateral femoral epicondyle to the fibula head, it lies free from the capsule and lateral meniscus

Question 8

Describe the oblique popliteal ligament

Answer 8

This is a thick round band as a lateral expansion of semi-membranosus

Question 9

What is the function of the cruciate ligaments?

Answer 9

They connect the tibia to the femur lying within the capsule (but not synovial membrane).

Question 10

How are the cruciate ligaments named? What is their nutrient supply?

Answer 10

They are named from their tibial origins. Only the margins are vascular, remaining nutrients are sourced from the synovial fluid.

Question 11

What are the attachments of the anterior cruciate ligament?

Answer 11

From the anterior part of the tibial plateau backwards to the lateral condyle of the femur.

Question 12

What is the function of the ACL?

Answer 12

Prevents backwards displacement, limits extension of the lateral condyle, and is an important player in the screw home mechanism

Question 13

What are the attachments of the posterior cruciate ligament?

Answer 13

From the posterior part of the tibia, between the condyles, passes forwards and medially to the medial femoral condyle.

Question 14

What is the function of the PCL?

Answer 14

Stops the femora sliding forward of the tibial plateau and is the only stabilising force in the weight bearing knee.

Question 15

How does a patient with a PCL injury descend stairs?

Answer 15

With the injured leg leading, thus keeping ht damaged weight bearing leg extended.

Question 16

How does the medial meniscus differ to the lateral meniscus?

Answer 16

Medial is much less mobile than the lateral as it is tethered to the medial ligament. The lateral is more C-shaped and the horns lie close together. The posterior convexity is slung with fibrous tissue.

Question 17

What is the transverse ligament?

Answer 17

A variable structure uniting the two anterior horns ???