MSK - The Knee Joint Flashcards
What type of joint is the knee joint?
Hinge Type Synovial joint
What type of movements does the type of joint that the knee joint is allow?
Flexion and Extension (and to a degree, lateral and medial rotation)
Wat articultions is the knee joint formed by?
Articulations between the Patella, Femur and Tibia
What does the shape of the knee joint mean in relation to its strength?
What does it rely on to ensure stability?
Relatively weak
Relies on muscles and ligaments
Label this diagram of a knee joint
Name the articulatons of the knee joint and describe what is articulating in each one
Tibiofemoral – The medial and lateral condyles of the femur articulating with the tibia
Patellofemoral – The anterior and distal part of the femur articulating with the patella
What articulation is the green highlighted area?
What articulation is the pink highlighted area?
Green - Tibiofemoral
Pink - Patellofemoral
What is the function of the tibiofemoral joint?
It is the weightbearing joint
What is the function of the patellofemoral joint and how does it do this?
Increases the efficiency of the quadriceps femoris muscle
Allows the tendon to be inserted directly over the knee
What are both joints lined by?
What are both joints enclosed by?
Both lined by hyaline cartilage
Both enclosed by a single joint cavity
In relation to the quadratus femoris tendon, what does the patella do?
Minimises wear and tear
Name the menisci of the knee joint
What type of structure are they?
Medial and Lateral
Fibocartilage
What are the functions of the menisci?
1 - To deepen the articular surface of the tibia, thus increasing stability of the joint
2 - To act as shock absorpers
What shape are the menisci and where do they attach?
C shaped
Attach at both ends to the intercondylar area of the tibia
Where else does the medial menisci attach?
What clinical relevance does this have?
Also attaches to the tibial collateral ligament and the joint capsule
Any damage to the tibial collateral ligament results in tearing of the medial meniscus